\
UBRARV OF
CONGRESS
00020HH
1731
SARAH PIKE GONGER
CopyrightN0
COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT.
OLD CHINA AND
YOUNG AMERICA
TRUE STORIES
WITH THEIR
SUNSHINE OF LOVE
The Tiny "Sherza"
as she came from Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress
Dowager of China [ page 50 ]
OLD CHINA AND
YOUNG AMERICA
BY
SARAH PIKE CONGER
AUTHOR OF "LETTERS FROM CHINA " ETC.
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
F. G. BROWNE & CO.
1913
•0°
->%.*
COPYRIGHT, 1913
Y F. G. B R O W NE & CO.
Copyright in England
All rights reserved
PUBLISHED, MARCH, I913
THE- PLIMPTON- PRESS
NORWOOD-MASS-U-S-A
©CLA332987
Lovingly dedicated
to
Helen Conger Moulton
The good we do is an ever-burning light. It
never goes out nor grows dim. It is oj God
7/ J touch the fountain of love in the heart
of but one child and quicken it into action
I shall have walked with God
My dear Young Friends:
You gather about me asking for stories.
It is a request to which I gladly respond.
Life is made up of stories. Each of us
weaves into a book of experience an influ-
ence which affects not only humanity but
every living thing. Each story has its lights
and shadows, its majors and minors.
The stories here compiled are founded
upon facts. They are scattered pages torn
from a life full of events. They have come
into my life as open windows, enabling me
to look out into the world of love. Come
and share them with me.
SARAH PIKE CONGER
Pasadena, California
January i, 1913
CONTENTS
Part I — OLD CHINA
PAGS
A Story of the Flag 15
The Tie that Binds— A Wonderful Picture i 9
The Power of Music, 1900 23
A Service in the Forbidden City, 1904 . 27
Nothing Common 30
A Chinese Santa Claus 34
The Folly of Ignorance 37
An Ancient Custom 41
Tower, Lao Hu, and Moi Yu .... 44
Sherza and Lao Hu 50
Things Talk $6
China's Religion 59
A Wonderful Woman — The Late Empress
Dowager of China 64
China's Strength 73
Yuan-Shih-K'ai, the President of China 78
Part II — YOUNG AMERICA
Love's Altar 87
The Home 91
The Kindergarten 93
A Talk with Father 95
Our School-Teachers 97
Beauty and Culture 99
The Sacrifice 103
The Lesson 105
Every Good Deed is Reflected in Good 107
Overcoming Difficulties no
10 CONTENTS
PAGE
Polish Your Shoes 113
The Lesson of the Church Organ . . 115
Our Point of View 119
Loving Words 121
The Wedding 122
Shadow and Reflection 124
The Holy Bible 127
Patriotism 129
Nations Love Wealth 134
Saluting the Flag 138
The Star Eagle's Promise, 1864 . . . 141
The Salvation Army 143
Our Flag Honored 148
Our School Banner, 1858 150
Our National Cemeteries 156
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
The Tiny " Sherza " Frontispiece ■
One of China's Great Men — His Excellency
Wu Ting Fang 16
Marine Guards of Eight Nations in China . 20
Sir Robert Hart and his Band 24
A Real Chinese Baby 38''
An American Baby in Chinese Clothes . 38 *
Tower, Lao Hu, and Moi Hu 44 -
Feeding the Pets 46
"Sherza's" Rival — Baby "Lao Hu" . . . 50*
Her Imperial Majesty, the Late Empress
Dowager of China 64 "
Ching Chun Wang — An Untiring Worker for
his Country 74 v
General Yuan-Shih-K'ai, First President of
China 78
Talking it Over 92
The Sacrifice 104 ^
Reflection 124 V
Saluting the Flag .......... 138 1/
PART I
OLD CHINA
OLD CHINA AND
YOUNG AMERICA
A STORY OF THE FLAG
1 AM going to tell you a story which
to me is full of beauty. It was
planted in love, and grew watered
by the flowing heart fountain.
Old China and Young America.
These represent the extremes of
history. Between them the other
nations of the world fill in, each
with its own manners and customs.
Each country has its patriotic colors,
its national song, its flag, and these
countries differ from each other in no
one thing so much as in the use of
their flag. An Englishman once said
to me: "We use our flag only when
necessary. You use yours upon the
slightest provocation." Let this be
forever true.
In China — that oldest of countries
and newest of republics — the flag
16 OLDCHINA
is used only upon state occasions.
Until the fall of the empire, subjects
were not permitted to use it, and
even today a Chinese flag cannot
be bought.
It was in the year 1900 that the
representatives of eleven different
nations were besieged in Peking. As
the wife of the American Minister to
China I was one of the little band
hemmed in behind those walls and
barricades. Almost every hour of
the twenty-four we were fired upon
from without. Bravely we watched
and prayed and worked and fought
during those trying days. We knew
that the heart of the whole world
throbbed in sympathy. The prayers
of the nations for their own and the
people of their sister-countries were
borne to us on the wings of love.
Suffering and sacrifices cast their
gloom over our little band, yet there
was in our hearts always a ray of
sunshine which gave us buoyancy
and strength. God smiled upon the
besieged in that awful experience and
we recognized His smiles in blessings.
The day of deliverance came, and
t I
One of China's Great Men
His Excellency, Wu Ting Fang, Chinese Minister to the
United States, Pioneer worker for a Chinese Republic
STORY OF THE FLAG 17
the glory of that day no pen or brush
can depict. The American Minis-
ter and his family remained in Peking
for many months after the siege was
raised. The representatives of the
eleven nations and China worked
diligently but cautiously together
upon the Joint Note which was
to settle the intricate questions into
which the siege had plunged them.
It was a long waiting, but after
the settlement the hour for the
start homeward arrived. When the
steamer landed on the home coast
the wildest enthusiasm greeted it.
Every act thrilled and throbbed
with welcome. The ovations were
winged fairy stories, increasing as
the rescued party neared the home
State. The pent-up horrors of the
siege and the fear for the safety
of the Minister and his family van-
ished in a sunburst and friendship's
diamonds sparkled in splendor. The
tear's bow of promise told far more
than the spoken word.
One happy, bright day after the
home coming, in Des Moines, Iowa,
an official from the State Capitol, with
l8 OLDCHINA
a package in his hand, called upon
the Minister's wife. He presented
her with the package and said:
"During those horrible weeks in
Peking, our fears for your safety
were great. When we learned that
the siege was raised, we joyfully
hoisted our nation's flag over our
State Capitol building. It waved
there through the summer heat, the
autumn rains and wind, the winter
freezings and the spring bloom. It
was never lowered until you had
returned in safety to the soil of Iowa,
and here it is. I present it to you."
The Minister's wife unwrapped it
and bowed to it in tears. It was
tattered and worn and almost black.
It, too, had been in a siege and had
done its best. The stripes were al-
most gone, but the stars on their blue
field were all there! This woman,
who dearly loved her country's flag,
felt keenly and heard understand-
ing^ what it said to her but it was
a sacred secret and could never be
put into words. She continues to
treasure it as one of her choicest
jewels.
THE TIE THAT BINDS — A
WONDERFUL PICTURE
F.
OR two years before the siege
there had been increasing unrest
in China. The foreigner had be-
come so aggressive that the Chinese
had decided that without doubt it
was to their best interests to get
rid of the troublesome visitor and
all of his belongings. But not until
1900 did they decide just how it
could be done.
As China's attitude became more
and more threatening toward foreign-
ers, eight foreign governments sent
marine guards to their respective
legations in Peking. These guards
watched the legations night and
day with vigilance. It was con-
ceived to have a group picture of
the eight nationalities taken in the
large grounds of the British Legation.
The United States guards marched
from their legation home with their
nation's colors waving over them.
20 OLDCHINA
At the British Legation each guard
drew lots for its position in the pic-
ture. The United States guards drew
the center, and there they stand,
with the flag. Not one of the others
carried their nation's emblem. The
United States officer said later: "No
one objected to the flag, and it
would have broken the boys' hearts
if I had asked them to lay it aside."
Is there in all the world another
picture like this? Look at it, —
listen to it! Warriors of eight nations
standing peacefully together in a
foreign land: Does it not tell a
wonderful story in a language famil-
iar to all mankind? Is it not pro-
phetic of that glorious day when
there shall be peace among all
nations?
But I must tell you the rest of
the story. Troubles faded and the
guards withdrew; but in 1900 clouds
darkly hovered over North China,
and the eight nations again landed
their Marine Guards to protect the
foreigners against the revengeful
wrath of the Chinese. For eight
weeks these foreigners in Peking
»5 O
S' o
H
>
H
0
z
THE TIE THAT BINDS 21
were besieged and under almost con-
stant fire. By day and by night,
our nation's emblem watched over
us and waved its promise of protec-
tion. That beautiful flag! On June
1 8, 1900, its colors were bright.
There was not upon its folds one
stain or blemish or scar. It stood
for the United States of America,
and greater loyalty was never known
than it proclaimed and gave. It was
a target for the Chinese guns, but it
seemed that through its stalwart
armor they could not riddle nor
destroy it.
One memorable day we stood in
the American Legation, almost un-
der shelter of this flag, and watched
the shells as they came whizzing one
after another, bursting at right and
left, above and below, but not
touching our stars and stripes. We
clasped our hands in praise. But at
last a cruel shell burst at the base
of its standard. It shattered the
roof of the gate house and the flag
fell, clinging unharmed to its stand-
ard, — no sooner falling than the
brave United States Marines caught
22 OLDCHINA
it ere it reached the ground, and up
it went in a tree near by, and there
it waved in triumph until August 14,
the day the allied forces lifted the
siege.
But this dear flag had served its
day and a bright new one rose over
the gate house. I saw it, and sought
out the old flag, — it was my love.
I found it cast aside. It is one of
my treasures and I caress it.
THE POWER OF MUSIC
W
1900
HILE the allied forces of the
eight foreign nations were still in
Peking, General Chaffee invited the
American Minister, his family, his
staff members and their families,
with others, to witness the raising
of our flag at the American camp
headquarters in the Temple of
Agriculture.
In an open field of this Temple
was a very large, elevated, open,
white marble altar platform, with a
marble balustrade encircling it. The
guests occupied this beautiful place
with nothing obstructing their view.
The infantry stood in review at
the east of this marble platform; the
mounted cavalry on the south; the
artillery on the west; and the band
on the north, with the officers who
were conducting the ceremonies. At
twelve o'clock the band began to
24 OLDCHINA
play "The Star-spangled Banner."
Every one was on his feet, heads
were uncovered, and the flag began
to rise. Up it steadily went — up —
up, and when the last note sounded
it was at the top of that high pole.
Thrilling cheers greeted it in its tri-
umphant waving. At home we dearly
love our flag, but in foreign lands we
almost worship at its shrine.
In those dark days of resentment
after the siege, the foreigner showed
little respect or consideration for
the Chinese or their effects. One
day, two Russian soldiers entered
the home of a well-to-do Chinaman,
searching through everything, loot-
ing, and insulting the women and
children. The husband and father
protested, but to no effect. Finally,
he began to play the Russian na-
tional air upon a piccolo. The two
men at once dropped their loot,
stopped their bad behavior, and be-
came men of honor. They stood
erect and silent before the musician
and listened to his sweet music. At
its finish they saluted and passed
out into the street empty-handed.
THE POWER OF MUSIC 25
Every nation and every individual
has a note in the rhythm of life
which, if struck, peals forth its sweet
melody, and the brotherhood of man
is heard and felt. I asked a Russian
grand duke the meaning of this
great respect to their national air.
He replied, "It is a prayer." You
may question how this Chinese knew
Russian music.
In Peking there was an English
gentleman, Sir Robert Hart, In-
spector-General of the Chinese Cus-
toms. He was a lover of music and
believed in its efficacy. He formed
a band of forty pieces, hired these
men (Chinese), paid their instructor,
bought their fine foreign instruments,
foreign music, Chinese uniforms, and
in fact everything pertaining to a
good band; then invited foreigners
to his lawn parties, outdoor con-
certs, dances in his ballroom, dinners,
and Wednesday "at home." It was
the only band in Peking. When
the siege came upon us, Sir Robert,
with the other foreigners, was com-
pelled to flee for his life from his
beautiful home, gardens, and all
26 OLDCHINA
of his belongings, to the British
Legation. His bandmen fled far
and near. This Chinese with his
piccolo was one of these men. Surely,
no good thought or act is ever lost.
If there had been no other harvest
from the wealth Sir Robert put into
that band, the saving of that Chinese
family was harvest rich enough. It
is well to have the silent melody of
sincere prayer echoing and re-echoing
in our national airs and emblems.
It is Love's peaceful, tender voice
without word or sound.
E
A SERVICE IN THE
FORBIDDEN CITY
1904
ARLY one morning while out
upon our horses in a refreshing ride,
we perceived piles of yellow soil
by the roadside. We knew that
the soil pertained to the Imperial
Court, as it was yellow, and that it
would be scattered over the line of
march to the Forbidden City. On
inquiry we learned that the Empress
and her court princesses were com-
ing in from the summer palace for
a special service at a special shrine
in the Forbidden City. The Empress
and her princesses bow before this
shrine in behalf of the silkworm.
Here they offer sacrifices and prayers
for the protection, sustenance, and
success of these little worms. A
princess explained that there are
different shrines and temples in China
for the worship of different gods.
28 OLDCHINA
The Emperor has a care for the
people in general and makes pil-
grimages to these sacred places, with
prayers and sacrifices for the good
of the whole Empire, while the Em-
press has a special care for the
domestic and personal needs of her
subjects. This princess was one of
Her Majesty's assistants in the cere-
mony to the god of the silkworm.
After the wonderful work of the
little worm was finished — after each
had wrapped itself carefully, thread
by thread, in its almost perfect
cocoon — we were out again riding
and saw the yellow soil scattered
upon the street and the court in
imperial procession coming into the
city, to worship again at the shrine
of the god of this industrious worm.
This time the Empress and her
princesses were bringing their offer-
ings of gratitude and thanks. No
Chinese shrine for centuries has
received more devotion than this
one, and greater and still greater
successes have followed and blessed
this marvelous industry.
China is conceded to be the home
THE FORBIDDEN CITY 2g
in which the silkworm was dis-
covered some three or four thousand
years ago. There are vague ancient
stories of the utility of this indus-
trious worm and the silk making.
For centuries China jealously pro-
tected from foreign invaders the
secrets of the silk industry, which
grew to such vastness and value
that many parts of the civilized
world were aroused with a desire
and determination to partake of it.
But China always has held and
still holds the highest honors in
the making of superior and almost
numberless varieties of silk fabrics.
Many of these older preserved silk
textiles are exquisite in design, work-
manship, quality, coloring, and value.
No word or brush can portray with
accuracy the richness and beauty of
these productions. The little worm
and, the stalwart man work together
to produce them.
NOTHING COMMON
1 O the Chinese their simplest
things are not "common." Each
and all have their underlying mean-
ing, and it is so well known by the
Chinese that they detect and listen
to the voices of these silently speak-
ing things. The Chinese have many
feast days and celebrate them accord-
ing to ceremonies awarded them.
For birthdays and weddings every
gift must bear in some pronounced
way two love characters standing
side by side, with a bar uniting
them, — "two loves united." Every
tree, shrub, plant, and flower, every
reptile, insect, bird, and animal is
symbolical of a certain idea and in
some, representation carries its greet-
ing to the different celebrations.
I often took embroideries, fabrics,
porcelains, brasses, bronzes, cloi-
sonne, lacquer, and wood carvings to
a scholar and had them read to me.
As we broaden our views, the bar-
NOTHING COMMON 31
riers which hedge us in break away,
and the golden rule makes mellow
our thoughts with broader recogni-
tion and more generous activities.
The educated Chinese and those
of recognized standing in the social
and official world have an acknowl-
edged place of their own and that
place is respected, and this is just
as true with every caste of the
Chinese, from the throne to the
beggar. They never elbow each
other nor step upon one another's
toes, because each knows his own
rights and claims nothing else. They
have their court and common eti-
quette, to which they adhere. Even
if their customs differ from those
of the other nations, they may be
just as proper in the sight of the
Great Judicial Court of all as the
etiquette more generally accepted by
other people. The innate grace, cor-
dial politeness, and untiring watch-
fulness of the higher classes make
them most attractive hosts and host-
esses. When we get near them in
their palaces and homes, under dif-
ferent circumstances, there is a depth
32 OLDCHINA
of feeling that wells up through
their surface cement that floods one
and awakens a desire to be more
worthy within oneself, — to be better
able to meet this flood in like
strength.
With small beginning, little by
little, ways opened for me to enter
forbidden places, sacred places, places
of sorrow and of rejoicing. The
Empress Dowager, the Empress, the
princesses, and Chinese ladies, have
taken me by the hand and gently
led me through every part of their
palaces (even their ancestral halls)
and friendlily talked all the while.
Our conversation was always through
an interpreter, but a press of the
hand, expression of eye and face, told
even more than the uttered words.
We became friends, and heart spoke
to heart in a common language. I
grew very fond of these ladies and felt
at home with them. In our many
meetings and talks a quality of
character was detected which I had
never felt before. I have never
named this quality, because I find
no word that describes it. Some
NOTHING COMMON 33
thoughts and affections are deeper
than the most powerful words; they
are the expressions of the Great
Infinite Mind and Heart, uniting
humanity.
Every good thought, expressed or un-
expressed, is echoing and re-
echoing in the vast jorever.
A CHINESE SANTA CLAUS
C
iHILDREN are teachable and
they are lovable. They appeal to
older people in their little individ-
ualities.
A letter came to the Peking Post-
office addressed as follows:
Santa Claus,
Peking, China.
It bore the United States postage,
therefore it was sent to the United
States Minister. Within was a letter
written by a little girl in America
to "Dear Santa." Evidently she
had been told that Santa was in
China, and she wrote telling her
Christmas needs. The Minister's
wife answered the letter as follows:
"Peking, China.
Jan. 25, 1903.
"Dear Martha:
"I am 'Santa' and your letter
came across the seas to me in China.
I was very near to you in your own
home, and did you not know it?
CHINESE SANTA CLAUS 35
"I am 'Love' and I am known
everywhere, for I live in the hearts
of father, mother, sister, brother,
grandparents, uncle, aunt, cousin,
and friend, and through them I am
known to the dear children. What
made my little Martha write to
far-off China to find Love Santa
Claus?
"Perhaps your child heart detects
Love's far-reaching life more readily
than older persons'.
"You are quite right, Santa Claus
is here in Peking and his warm,
generous love is manifested through
these Chinese people.
"Christmas Day has passed long
ago, but Love Santa Claus lives
right on and always has many gifts
for the little ones. I, Santa Claus,
am with you in your dear home, and
your letter makes me reach out to
you from China.
"I send a little box of simple
Chinese toys to my little Martha.
Love and good wishes will surely
bear them safely to you.
"Be a good little girl, kind to
everybody, so that you will know
36 OLDCHINA
that Love is always with you, mak-
ing you very happy.
"Love, Love always,
"Santa."
This lady strove to cover all of
her steps, so that no one could im-
agine the identity of the writer. The
next Christmas another letter, ad-
dressed the same, came to the United
States Legation from an older child.
It was nicely written and told of
Martha's receiving Santa's letter
and little gifts. It stated that no
gifts were desired, but instead Santa's
autograph on the enclosed blank
card. As the lady could not give
her name, no reply was sent.
THE FOLLY OF IGNORANCE
VV HEN Baby Sarah came into
the home of her father and mother,
a cablegram darted across the Pacific
and into the American Legation at
Peking. It was received with rejoic-
ings. The Chinese rejoiced with the
grandparents, from throne down
through many callings of life to the
humblest of their servants, recogniz-
ing that a wonderful event was theirs
as child-bearing is considered the
greatest honor and blessing that can
come to a home. Many gifts, both
beautiful and simple, were brought
or sent to be forwarded to the little
granddaughter. Among these, were
suits of Chinese clothing. These
were complete, even to the hats,
shoes, and stockings. Many were
beautifully made of embroidered silk
or satin with fancy hats and em-
broidered shoes.
The little one's parents were de-
lighted and wrote that when Sarah
38 OLDCHINA
grew into the smallest suit they
would have her picture taken and
send it to China. After a time it
came. The mother wrote that the
hat was too small, also the shoes,
but she had taken from larger suits
those that fitted the child. The
mother had never seen little Chinese
girls dressed, hence did not know that
all the garments hang gracefully from
their shoulders to their feet, the
sleeves covering the hands, and un-
dergarments not visible at all. Little
Sarah had not only outgrown the hat
and shoes, which she could not get on,
but the whole suit, which was a very
plain one and for a much younger
child.
The Chinese are very particular
about the style and completeness
of their dress. The grandparents
did not show them the picture of
little Sarah because it would have
grieved them. But they sent the
mother a picture of a little princess,
showing the contrast and how the
Chinese babies wear their clothes.
This story is not without a lesson.
It illustrates the effect of ignorantly
A Real Chinese Ba
"■;-'-" ■'■;
■ ."'
An American Baby in
Chinese Clothes
FOLLY OF IGNORANCE 39
portraying people, their manners, or
fashions. Often, in doing so, we
come no nearer the truth than the
ape does to the true man. Some-
times offense is taken although none
is intended. The wife of the Jap-
anese Minister and Sarah's grand-
mother were visiting a foreign lady
in Peking. With seeming great
pleasure this lady brought to them
a large photograph of herself, stand-
ing, representing a Chinese lady.
Now, the costumes of the Manchu
and the Chinese lady, the style of
wearing the hair and dressing the
feet, bear a marked difference. On
the head of the lady in this picture
was a Manchu head decoration
perched upon the light-colored,
puffed hair of the foreigner. The
picture showed the pleated skirt and
coat of the Chinese lady, but on the
feet were Manchu shoes. The mix-
ture of foreign hair, Manchu head-
dress and shoes, with the Chinese
skirt and coat was an absurdity. It
represented absolutely nothing.
When opportunity presented, the
Japanese baroness pathetically said:
40 OLDCHINA
"The Chinese are just as exacting
among their well-bred people about
their rules of propriety as my people
are. Every color, shade of color, and
fold has its awarded place, and it is
almost exasperating to see foreigners
ignore every one of them in striving,
ignorantly, to represent us."
It is dangerous to imitate in ignorance.
We only caricature ourselves.
AN ANCIENT CUSTOM
J_ HERE is a custom in China to
observe certain ceremonies during
the passage of the shadow which
eclipses the sun's direct rays from
our earth. This custom bears the
date of ages long past.
A party of Americans in Peking
was permitted to witness the cere-
monies of the Chinese officials during
a total eclipse of the sun. These
ceremonies were observed in the open
court of one of their Imperial Boards.
Extending in front of a large build-
ing facing the south was an immense
platform. In their proper places
were musicians playing their wailing
music upon various instruments,
from the shrill little tones to the
heavy bass. These in chorus
sounded their doleful voices to
frighten away the "evil spirit" that
was striving to "devour the sun."
Many imperially robed officials, in
42 OLDCHINA
special groups and at stated periods,
quietly and solemnly emerged from
the building and knelt on yellow
cushions upon this platform. After
their strange incantations and cere-
monies they departed and others
appeared. This continued until the
sun was rescued and smiled again in
glory.
Through all time the heavens
have awakened an unsatisfied desire
in man to know of them. First,
in ignorance, superstition held a
terrifying fear that some destruc-
tion might come to mankind through
the starlit heavens. Ignorance al-
ways fears destruction because there
is no life to sustain it. As scientific
reasoning brings forth a bright light,
ignorance with its fears disappears,
and science asserts itself.
While China has discarded many
of her more marked superstitions,
she steadfastly clings to many ancient
customs. Although her more pro-
gressive people adhere to these su-
perstitions in ceremony, they do
not in conviction. Superstition is
a phase of this mortal living and
AN ANCIENT CUSTOM 43
in degree taints the whole human
family. We can, if willing, trace
it in some form through our own
characters; and then, if willing, we
can eradicate it.
TOWER, LAO HU, AND MOI YU
T
HE first imperial Chinese pug
we brought home from China was
named Tower, and the little fellow
had a history. After the siege of
Peking was raised, a Russian officer
took from his pocket and gave to
my daughter a mite of a dog, saying:
"I found this small fellow in the
Empress Dowager's private room,
almost starved. The court had left
him when it fled. He was, however,
very active and literally refused to
be captured. I will present him to
you with my compliments. " The
Chinese boys cleaned him up, petted
him, and assured him that he was
in a good home. His fear was de-
stroyed, and he soon became very
fond of his new mistress and ruled
the household. He was bright and
became an educated dog in foreign
ways, learned to have many wants,
and never hesitated to let us know
them. He did not like to be alone.
LAO HU AND MOI YU 45
When he was sleepy and wished to
go to bed, he would sit up and
with a pleading low voice ask for his
basket. If not brought at once, with
his teeth he would get it himself,
jump into it, and go to sleep. We
brought him home to America and
the first day on the train he was
almost wild with fear. I took the
little trembling baby in my arms,
and with his eyes looking into mine
I talked gently and kindly to him.
He was all right until night; then
he jumped out of the basket and onto
my bed. I said, "Yes, Tower, come,
you may stay with me." He cud-
dled close to me; I covered him all
over, and in peace and quiet he slept
all night and was afraid no more
during our journey.
These imperial dogs are quick to
learn. They look right at you when
you are talking to them and catch
your meaning. I have had six of
these Chinese imperial pugs and
brought three of them to America.
I find they manifest many good
qualities of the Chinese character.
The Chinese will watch you and
46 OLDCHINA
listen and catch your meaning, al-
though they do not know a word of
your language. The character of
an animal is modified, strengthened,
or weakened by the character-
atmosphere it breathes.
These small pugs are house dogs
and they become companions. I
must tell you about Lao Hu. Every-
body loves him, for he makes himself
lovable. He marches up to people,
wagging his plumy tail as much as
to say, "How do you do?" and
people gladly respond to him.
These pets are privileged char-
acters and are allowed to occupy
upholstered chairs and sofas. Lao
Hu had a companion who often
wanted the chair that he was in.
She would go to him and sit up, and
he would at once get down and take
another chair. I generally bathed
my three dogs the same night and
Lao Hu always first. One night I
decided to bathe the two blacks
and not him. When I started to
get ready for the task, Lao Hu came
jumping and dancing about me. I
did not think to tell him my plans
LAO HU AND MOI YU 47
and picked up Shea and took him
away. Lao Hu, disappointed, went
into a room which he does not fre-
quent. When I returned, he came
again dancing about me, with his
big white tail waving in the air.
Then I said: "No, Lao Hu, I am not
going to bathe you tonight. Come,
jump into your bed and go to
sleep." He did this and was satis-
fied. Why did I not think to tell
him my plans at first?
I have four bells, — front door,
maid's, telephone, and table bell.
These are all in the back hall and
kitchen. When the door bell rings,
the dogs will give a bark and come
to me as if to tell me about it.
When the maid's bell rings, they will
rush for the kitchen; when the
telephone and table bells ring, they
never notice them. They follow
me upstairs and down until I put
on my hat, then they do not notice
me but shut their eyes in sleep. I
never take them driving, as I do not
wish to lessen their home joys.
Lao Hu will come and gaze in-
tently at me until he gains my atten-
48 OLDCHINA
tion, then he wags his tail and I
say: "What is it, Lao Hu? Do you
want to go outdoors? want water?
want my dress to lie upon? Do you
want to get in my lap?" When I
ask the right thing, he will grunt a
little "Yes," and his want will be
granted.
My three pet dogs love affection
and attention, and they come many
times a day for a little love mani-
fested. If I am obliged to repri-
mand one, the others will stand back
until I forgive and make up with the
one reprimanded; then they will all
dance about me in great glee. They
have appreciative natures and are
intensely loyal to their friends, and
with a Chinese memory they never
forget them. Moi Yu's master had
not seen her for two years. He
entered the home where she was
staying, and while he was waiting
to be received, two little dogs came
barking down the stairs and placing
their little black heads against the
bannister, peeped through. Moi
Yu's master recognized one little
face and said: "Why, Moi Yu!"
LAO HU AND MOI YU 49
That was enough. Down she went
and leaped upon him with cries of
joy that were pitiful, and would not
leave him for a moment during his
stay. Three years passed and she
came to her mistress. At the meet-
ing she was almost wild and it
seemed that her little heart would
burst with joy.
SHERZA AND LAO HU
vjNE bright day in Peking, a
yellow card was brought to me. I
knew at once that it was from
the Imperial Palace. Two court
eunuchs and a mounted escort fol-
lowed this card. One eunuch was
carrying a pretty flat basket, and
lying in this basket, upon a red
satin pad, was a small black puppy
from the palace kennels. She was
like a little puffball. Her imperial
trappings of harness and ornaments
were wonderful. Around this little
one's neck was a yellow silk collar
with gold bells and upright tassels;
about her body was a harness of
heavy yellow silk braid fastened
with gold buckles; at the back of
this harness was a gold ornament
and to this ornament was attached
a very heavy yellow cord with a gold
hook at its end to fasten to my belt
when taking the little one walking.
11
1
lli lift ^
-
&Bt ts X *'
s*--
Hi liS:
nr J
-^J
Sherza's" Rival — Baby "Lao H
SHERZA AND LAO HU 51
Fastened to the collar was a slip
of yellow silk bearing my little
pet's name. In my great surprise
and delight, what could I say? The
little one looked right into my face
with her big, round, black eyes,
without one thought of fear. I
said "Sherza" and stroked her,
and we were friends. She was a
gift from Her Imperial Majesty, the
Empress Dowager of China, and
came in royal style.
I had long wanted one of these
Peking pugs but had not been able
to find one in all the city. They
are strictly for the palace kennels,
and only gifts or stray or stolen
ones get outside. These pets are
bright and can be taught all sorts
of tricks. They mind readily and
are sensitive to tone of voice or
manner toward them. They love
to be loved.
This little one became a real
member of our family and in mute
language conversed with us. She
knew what we said and responded
to it.
Months after her coming, the
52 OLDCHINA
Empress Dowager sent another baby
dog to me. He was auburn and
white. He brought his name, Lao
Hu, with him from Her Majesty.
I sat upon the floor with baby Lao
Hu in my lap and called Sherza.
She came, examined the little fellow,
then stepped back, sat down, and
looked at me. I talked with Sherza
and told her that I wanted her to
help me care for this newcomer
into our home. Without remaining
longer, she turned her back on us
and went direct to her master,
jumped into his lap, and cuddled
close to him. I put the little Lao Hu
aside and went to her. She climbed
upon her master's shoulder with
back to me. I faced her again, but
at once she turned her back. She
resisted my touch. I reasoned with
her, but she would not listen. For
three days she would receive no
attention of mine nor a morsel of
food from my hand. She clung
closely to her master. It was pa-
thetic, but I held my ground that it
was Lao Hu's home, too, and that
she must help take care of him. The
SHERZA AND LAO HU 53
third day jealousy was conquered,
and from that time on she was a
careful protector and happy com-
panion of our Lao Hu.
These little dogs sat up, jumped
through hoops, and did many bright
things. I am going to tell you a
sad story about our Sherza with a
ray of light shining through it.
One morning I saw my dear little
pet lying upon the floor struggling.
I rang the bell, then quietly took
her in my lap, and without another
struggle she breathed her last. She
seemed to have been poisoned.
When Wang answered the bell I
burst out crying and said, "Sherza
has left us." This big man stood
at the door in silence looking at me
and finally, in tones of sympathy,
asked, "Shall I call a doctor?" The
absurdity of the situation brought
me to my senses and I said: "No,
Wang, that would do no good.
You get me a nice box and we will
line it and place her in it." When
he returned, he brought a box,
wadded and lined with blue silk.
We placed Sherza in the beautiful
54 OLDCHINA
bed that my faithful servant had
made for her. Wang screwed the
cover on, wrapped the box in brown
paper; and tied it securely. We
chose a place in the garden to bury
her. Wang placed another box over
the wrapped one, and the coolie
filled in the soil. We left a little
mound in the garden. Later, I
passed that way and saw flowers
upon the mound. I stood and looked
upon those flowers. I knelt down
and petted them, for I knew what
kind thought for me had placed
them there. On returning to my
room, I called Wang and asked:
"Who placed those beautiful flowers
upon Sherza's mound?" He said:
"I did, Madam. I thought Madam
would like them there.' '
In about six months we moved
from this legation to our temple
legation. After the last of our
belongings had been moved, Wang
came to me and said, " I now go get
Sherza." I had not thought of
moving her, but I said, "Thank you,
Wang, bring her here and we will
find a good place for her." Again
SHERZA AND LAO HU $$
the gentle hand of the Chinaman
laid her away.
Do you not detect the ray of sun-
shine through this sad event? The
many kind, thoughtful deeds of that
big Chinese man have given an
increasing helpful influence along
my pathway even to this day. The
Infinite Good and Good's reflection
is all that is enduring, and this Good
reflected in our thoughts and deeds
is all that we can really give our
fellow-men. This Good, reflected
through us, multiplies and multi-
plies its good influence along the
shores of time.
The quality of heart and mind
is portrayed in ideas and
actions.
THINGS TALK
1 HINGS are akin to people. If
we like them and show them recogni-
tion, they with an individuality will
work with us. This is why the
Oriental things are attractive. They
have a character of their own which
seems intelligent, and when we sug-
gest that such or such a thing goes
in a certain place, it often objects
and tells us so. If we listen and keep
trying until it is pleased with its
place and surroundings, it smiles in
gladness and reflects that gladness.
AH things are thoughts manifested,
and some thoughts are in line, and
complement one another in harmony,
while others reject even a recogni-
tion of casual acquaintance.
My beautiful collection of intri-
cate work from China, Japan, Corea,
the Philippines, Brazil, and other
parts of North and South America
and Europe, is not loved and enjoyed
because of its money or material
THINGS TALK 57
value. I keep in mind the thought
value, — the richness of thought that
was able to manifest them. As I
comprehend the patient, persever-
ing, accurate, loving heart work
through and through these produc-
tions, I love and appreciate them
more and still more. Every little
detail speaks of greatness. They
are like the little grace notes in
music, which add character to the
heavier notes; or like the dainty
touches of color in painting, which
add life and action to the picture;
or, again, like the smallest fraction
which adds perfection to the mathe-
matical problem. Yes, I love these
speaking things, in detail and as a
whole, that tell me the thoughts of
days long gone by. And, too, each
one has a little heart story, telling
how it came to me. I have indulged
and rather courted the idea from my
early childhood, not to have any-
thing in my keeping which did not
bear good-will, or that would remind
me of any unhappy thought con-
nected with it. The intrinsic value
of my treasures is little in comparison
58 OLDCHINA
to the bright, loving joy song which
they sing in a harmonious chorus.
My home, filled with sweet memories,
is a living joy that points heaven-
ward.
CHINA'S RELIGION
1 HE religion of China is composed
of and modified by Confucianism,
Buddhism, Taoism, and other teach-
ings. Individuals and nations por-
tray or reflect in action the God
they truly and secretly worship in
their inmost hearts. Honesty is not
a traitor, but in its might uncovers
and reveals the naked truth.
China's great period of literature
was between 1122 b.c. and 249 b.c.
Confucius was born 550 b.c. He
was a philosopher and scholar; his
writings have molded the lives of
more people than any other writings
in recorded history. He is a saint
to the Chinese, — embodiment of
wisdom. He founded no religion,
but the spirit of the ever-living
Christ can be traced through his
teachings. In every home, school,
and college Confucius' classics are
taught, and the children and older
people must commit and repeat
60 OLDCHINA
them. For centuries the "Nine
Classics" formed the foundation for
Chinese education, religion, philos-
ophy, and etiquette. They are so
positive and uplifting that they
forged an empire stronger than
steel. These classical teachings,
learned and practised, have upheld
China through the roaring earth-
quakes and tumultuous billows.
There is a large temple in Peking
builded in memory of this great
sage. It is composed of many build-
ings and courts. The whole temple
is wonderfully impressive in its sol-
emn grandeur. In the finest build-
ing is a large tablet to Confucius,
before which the Emperor worships.
There are also tablets to his closest
followers. The many memorials
placed in walls or standing alone
and in open courts indicate what
reverence China holds for its great
benefactor. Many temples are built
throughout China in revered memory
of Confucius, but none was builded
in his memory by imperial edict
until the first century of the Christian
era. This great man unselfishly and
china's religion 6l
devotedly worked out and gave to
China a code for living. Through-
out the Empire his word is quoted
as law, settling controversies for all
classes.
The respect and love the Chinese
have for parents, the aged, for
children, for all life, animal and
vegetable, have been planted and
fostered through the lofty teachings
of Confucius. This judicious man
emphasized an unfailing loyalty
to every vow. A missionary illus-
trated this point: A man of many
years was seen measuring his length
in the road. He would lie down,
arise, take a few steps, and lie down
again. This he repeated time after
time. The missionary inquired,
"Why this penance?" and asked the
aged, weary, and soil-stained man to
ride on his cart. The man earnestly
replied: "I cannot. My son was
very ill and I prayed the good spirit
to spare him to me. He was all I
had. I made a solemn, sacred vow
if he remained with me and his
health restored, I would measure
my length over every foot of the
62 OLDCHINA
fifty miles between my home and
my ancestral tombs. He did get
well and I now am faithful to that
vow."
Again: I have seen large trees
in temple and palace grounds tied
and propped up in many ways, for
"they must not fall." When at the
Western Hills, in our summer temple
home, a large, five-foot snake fell
from the rolled awning above our
door into the court. I rang the
bell furiously and servants came
flocking from different directions.
When they saw the snake, they
halted and stood silent. The first
Mafoo (stableman) stepped quietly
forward, gently took it by the tail
with his hand, then lifted and carried
it out of the compound, and with a
slight toss dropped it in the ravine
below. Once before, when in the
garden, I called the gardener to
come and kill a snake. Instead of
inflicting a blow, he carefully, with
his broom, directed it to a hole in
the wall. I did not understand this
consideration given to reptiles and
asked my boy Wang why they were
china's religion 63
not killed. He replied: "Chinaman
no kill snake, Chinaman good to
snake, snake good to Chinaman.
Chinaman kill snake, snake kill
Chinaman."
It is a conceded jact that there is an
influence going out with every
thought and act and on its
return brings blessings or
cursings.
A WONDERFUL WOMAN
THE LATE EMPRESS DOWAGER
OF CHINA
1 HE father of the late Empress
Dowager of China was a Manchu
military official of third rank. His
post was not a lucrative one, and at
his death his family was very poor.
He left a wife and three children, —
two daughters and a son. The eld-
est was the late Empress Dowager,
the wife of Emperor Hsien Feng.
The second daughter married Prince
Ch'ung, the father of the late Em-
peror Kwang Hsu.
As customary and mandatory with
the Chinese and Manchus the re-
mains of this deceased official were
taken to his place of birth for burial.
The bereaved mother hired a boat
to take her husband's remains, her-
self, and children down the Yangtze.
The boat anchored at Hankow; and
as the family was so destitute, it
seemed impossible for them ever to
■
ii
a******.********
Her Imperial Majesty, the Late Empress
Dowager of China
A WONDERFUL WOMAN 65
reach Peking. There were many
boats in the harbor at Hankow;
and after this boat had been detained
several days, a mistake was made
which proved to be a blessing to
this family in their sorrow and
troubles.
Wu-tang, the magistrate who held
jurisdiction over Hankow, wishing
to show honor to an official on his
way to Peking, sent a feast and two
hundred taels as a gift. The ser-
vants in charge of these gifts carried
them to the wrong boat, which was
also on its way to Peking, and de-
livered them to the widow. The
magistrate's card and the offerings
were overwhelming in the hour of
utmost need; but supposing that
Wu-tang was a friend of her deceased
husband, the sorrowing woman in
gratitude stepped forward in sight
to thank the servants, saying that
she, a woman, could not go ashore
to thank the magistrate who had
so greatly honored and bountifully
blessed her; and requested that His
Honor come on board her boat,
that she might thank him. When
66 OLDCHINA
the servants in charge of the gifts
returned to the Yamen and told
Wu-tang what they had done, he
was furious. He did not know this
man nor had he ever heard of him,
and lamented over "good money
wasted."
The servants in dismay went to
the Chinese legal adviser, whose
opinion is always respected at the
Yamen, and begged him to intercede
with their master to desist from in-
flicting punishment, for it was purely
a mistake. The adviser did inter-
cede in the servants' behalf. He
went to see the magistrate and sug-
gested to him, as the gifts had
already been presented, it seemed
best for him to make a personal
call and pay his respects to the dead.
In this way he would get out of the
dilemma gracefully. The next day
Wu-tang in his official dress and
black outer garment visited the boat,
sent in his card, and made his obei-
sance to the remains. The widow
prostrated herself before him in
gratitude. He gave her to under-
stand that he knew her husband
A WONDERFUL WOMAN 67
and this was a slight offering given
in his memory. She kowtowed and
said, "I never can repay you, but
I will give to you my oldest daughter
Chao as your god-daughter." This
is an honor Chinese bestow upon
benefactors. The eldest daughter
was presented and kowtowed to
Wu-tang and called him her god-
father. He returned the salutation
and called her his god-daughter.
He perceived this was the only way
to comfort the sorrowing woman in
her great desire to pay him for the
respect he showed her dead husband
and the help he had given her in
time of need.
Years passed and the instance was
forgotten by Wu-tang.
This official was never noted
for his diligent, industrious, whole-
hearted work; and yet he was pro-
moted to the office of Sub-Prefect
of Kansu Province. The Viceroy,
who was an able, up-and-doing
man, memorialized the Throne, to
denounce him as unfit for the post
and praying that he be removed
from service. When read, Wu-tang
68 OLDCHINA
was a familiar name, and a decree was
issued that Wu-tang be promoted
to the post of Prefect. Thinking
there must be a misunderstanding as
to his former memorial, the Viceroy
reiterated the charges to the Throne.
In reply a second decree came, mak-
ing Wu-tang Taotai, — a step still
higher. This was a severe blow to
the Viceroy. He sent for the offen-
sive man and asked if he had "ever
known the Empress Dowager per-
sonally." He replied that he had
"never had the honor." He again
questioned, "Have you any secret
influence at Peking to work in your
behalf." The reply was full and
earnest: "No, I have no friend in
Peking and no official acquaintance."
In a third memorial the Viceroy re-
quested the Throne to order Wu-tang
to Peking for an audience, that they
might see for themselves what an in-
significant, worthless fellow they had
promoted to these high, responsible
posts. The highly appointed official
proceeded to Peking ; and with bowed
head humbly knelt before the throne.
The Empress Dowager inquired into
A WONDERFUL WOMAN 69
his past record, then told him to
raise his head and look at her.
Wu-tang obeyed her command
and beheld, sitting on the throne,
the identical young girl who knelt
before him and called him god-father
thirty years before.
In his overwhelming surprise, lan-
guage had no words, and in devout
reverence he bowed low before her.
And this woman was the great Em-
press Dowager of China, whose
name history will steadfastly preserve
through time. What Her Majesty
said from the fulness of her mind
and heart is a secret from the world.
But her words had power in them, for
Wu-tang returned to his post and with
an awakened latent vigor diligently
worked for the good he could do;
and in honor laid down this world's
toils with the insignia Viceroy upon
his name.
This story of Her Imperial Majesty
the late Empress Dowager of China,
portrays a depth of character that
he who looks can perceive, who
listens can hear its melody, who
feels can know its warmth.
70 OLDCHINA
After reaching Peking, little Chao
was taken a concubine into the
palace. She had been educated only
in the lower or simple classics for
girls and the "Filial Piety Classic,"
teaching obedience to those above
them in authority. The Emperor
Hsien Feng's eye was upon her and
detected her great desire to learn.
The educated eunuch teachers of
the imperial harem were more than
pleased with this attractive, bright
girl, who was ambitious for the
education they could give her. Her
comprehension was acute, and she
learned from observation of all about
her. Devotion to her studies and
what they were doing for her at-
tracted the attention of the young
Empress and, later, the affection of
the Emperor. She was chosen his
first secondary wife. These two
women became heart friends and
remained thus as long as they both
lived. This secondary wife bore to
the Emperor his only son who died
in youth. Ere long she was raised
to the honors of wife and given the
title of "Western Empress," as the
A WONDERFUL WOMAN 71
first wife was "Eastern Empress."
From that date, the two women were
equal in rank and in power before
the world. No envy, jealousy, or
enmity tarnished their lives with one
another. One desired ease and com-
fort, while the other courted the
events that aroused to action the
ability to cope with the questions of
state1. China was under a cloud
of war at the death of Emperor
Hsien Feng, and Prince Kung, his
brother, became adviser to the East-
ern and Western Empress Dowagers
who, notwithstanding their bereave-
ment, took the reign of the Empire.
Darkest clouds that ever threatened
any nation have gathered during
the forty-two years' reign of the
late Empress Dowager. Trials at
home have been appalling, but the
aggressive foreigner has gathered
the darkest clouds over China and
provoked her to atrocities unworthy
of her better judgment.
It became evident that Her
Majesty realized more than any of
her predecessors that China must
arouse herself to the demands of
72 OLDCHINA
other nations if she would stand
abreast with them, and not be de-
voured. One of Her Majesty's chief
characteristics as a ruler has been
her marked ability to choose strong
statesmen, the wisest advisers and
safest leaders from among her most
efficient officers, both conservative
and progressive.
This woman, — this ruler of the
great Chinese Empire for forty-two
years I have met many times and
felt the touch of her gentle hand and
listened to the mellow tones of her
voice and gained her friendship.
Many treasures in my memory and
my keeping tell me that she was my
friend.
Values are in thoughts. We feel
thoughts, — some are mellow, some
are hard. Everything reflects its
own character. It cannot be
otherwise. Love is the Mighty
Power and all creation feels
its gentle touch and
peacefully yields to
its influence.
CHINA'S STRENGTH
I^INCE the troubles of 1900
China's pulse has increased in vigor,
without fever heat, to a healthy
action that forces her on into fields
unknown before. The last private
audience given me by Her Imperial
Majesty, the late Empress Dowager,
revealed more than at any other
time Her Majesty's eager thought
for a broader activity in her people.
Our conversation was long and
earnest, — mostly of China and
America. Other nations have their
individualities, but by a constant
contact with sister-nations these
individualities are tuned into com-
parative harmony. If China wishes
to be in accord with this universal
chorus, she will have to think it out
in her own way. May China's rulers
and her subjects stand as a unit
and all work together for the estab-
lishment and preservation of their
new republic. Their innate positive-
74 OLDCHINA
ness and tireless activity will arouse
slumbering strength, unknown to
other nations and unknown to them-
selves.
The downfall of the empire and
the rise of the republic will bring
their changes, but China has not
fallen. The quality of her heart
and mind sustains her. Her situa-
tion is appalling, but her sturdy,
quiet activity will bring her out of
her dilemma. As new necessities
present themselves to the progres-
sive Chinese, steps are taken to
meet the demands of these necessi-
ties. Commissioners are equipped
with plans and sent out to gather
information needed to vitalize their
republic. They work quietly, but
with a steadfastness that keeps them
moving.
There are thirteen legations in
Peking, and each is within a walled
compound. These thirteen legations,
representing the foreign countries, are
at peace with China. The uprising
of 191 1- 19 1 2 was not against the
foreigner, but an internal revolution
to overthrow the Manchu dynasty.
4
•6»
Ching Chun Wang
An Untiring Worker for his Country
china's strength 75
The indemnity fund that China
awarded the United States in 1901,
the United States gave back to China,
and she is using this fund for the
education of her boys and girls
abroad. A large per cent of those
sent to America to be educated are
those who have attended' American
mission schools and colleges in China.
These are mostly Chinese and not
Manchus. This mission education
gives the Chinese students a knowl-
edge, although limited, of the Eng-
lish language, and of foreign schools
and customs.
Since 1900, great changes have
taken place in Peking, and in many
ways the city is becoming foreignized.
Railroads are making their way in-
land. A trip to the Great Wall of
China is no longer a toilsome one,
but its picturesque features are gone,
never to return.
The new China, with the qualities
of the old China, invigorated by
good qualities of the younger nations,
is marching steadily forward at a
rapid pace. The Empire was builded
upon stability and it has proven her
76 OLDCHINA
to be almost impregnable. She stood
upon her own ground and worked
out her knotty problems. Her whole
system, political, social, and financial,
was a wheel within a wheel, with such
accurately adjusted cogs that the
whole country kept going with clock-
like precision. China has received
ruthless piercings from the con-
stant peckings of the foreigner with
his so-called progressive ideas. It
may be that this pecking was the
only thing that could arouse her
and make her show her mettle.
China's coming generations will
have mighty battles to fight and in-
tricate problems to solve. But they
can do it all. This people has a
stored power, born of patience and
nurtured by steadfastness, endu-
rance, and love for native land; and
this power will show itself and con-
quer.
May China so adjust herself as
to walk with equal honors in the
great sisterhood of nations. Step
by step this old empire — new
republic — is marching forward.
Not only do men join hands, but
CHINA S STRENGTH 77
men and women unite in equal
suffrage to battle in the progressive
struggle for their new republic.
May China's new flag with its
five stripes unfurl its folds and wave
protection and progress to its five
dependencies and its millions of
peoples! May men and women
hand in hand step together in formu-
lating and building a new, a true
republic.
YUAN-SHIH-K'AI
Y
UAN-SHIH-K'AI did not enter
official life in the usual Chinese
manner, by the narrow door of the
examination halls. His honorable
father opened a wider door for him-
self and son through their ability
and favor at court. The old adage,
"Blood will tell," proves true in
this case, for the son has shown far
more conspicuous ability than the
father. He rose in the sight and
confidence of the court, of Chinese
officials, and the people, through
manifested wisdom, judgment, and
untiring activity. A growing force-
ful character was continually reveal-
ing itself in a stronger light. He
was born in the Province of Honan,
in the heart of China, and was a
protege of Jung-Iu, who held great
favor at court, and through his
influence Yuan-Shih-K'ai advanced
in his high official career. He was
appointed to posts of great re-
General Yuan-Shih-K'ai
First Presideyit of China
yuan-shih-k'ai 79
sponsibilities, to settle difficulties,
and brought to the throne victory's
laurels.
In September, 1898, he was sum-
moned to a midnight audience to
arrange a plan of placing the Em-
press Dowager under guard and
removing Jung-Iu to the spirit world.
He appeared to acquiesce in the
plans of His Imperial Majesty.
Evidently he did not have confi-
dence in the visionary advisers whom
the Emperor had chosen. Yuan
hastened back to Tientsin and to
his camp without waiting for the
death warrant. It followed next
morning by T'ang, who was ordered
to see it executed and on no account
lose sight of Yuan-Shih-K'ai. If
Yuan hesitated to carry out his
orders, T'ang was to do it himself.
But Yuan-Shih-K'ai took the green
arrow and the death warrant on
the yellow satin and went with
T'ang to Jung-Iu's Yamen; stationed
T'ang at the front gate with orders
to prevent at any cost Jung-Iu's
escape; and he himself went inside
and disclosed the whole plan to
80 OLDCHINA
Jung-Iu who fled through a rear gate,
secured an engine, and hastened
to Peking, where he warned the
Empress Dowager and brought
about the coup d'etat which re-
sulted in the confinement of the
Emperor on the island in the For-
bidden City and the sending of
his ill-timed advisers into exile or
to the execution grounds.
T'ang became anxious because
Yuan-Shih-K'ai tarried so long and
was about to enter when the gate
opened and Yuan faced him, saying,
" I have searched everywhere but
am unable to find Jung-Iu." T'ang
hastened to inform the conspirators.
K'ang Yu-wei and Liang Chih-Chiao
escaped, while T'ang met his death.
An edict was issued by the im-
prisoned Emperor calling the Em-
press Dowager back to his aid.
Her Majesty resuming reign, the
government moved on without ap-
parent serious difficulties, and Yuan-
Shih-K'ai was promoted from time
to time to posts of greater impor-
tance. Yu-hsien, the " Boxer" advo-
cate, was a notorious trouble-maker.
Y U A N- S H I H- k'a I 8l
He was the inaugurator of the
" Boxer' ' uprising against the for-
eigners in Shantung and Shanci
which finally culminated in the awful
siege of Peking in 1900. Yuan-Shih-
K'ai literally refused to take any part
in this movement and maintained
peace throughout his province dur-
ing this blood-thirsty period. All
missionaries and foreigners were
safely escorted to the coast from
his province. After the siege was
raised, this brave, judicious man was
recognized as one of China's strong-
est supports in time of need, and
higher honors were bestowed upon
him. His mother died in 1901, and
according to Chinese custom he
should have retired from all public
service for twenty-seven months.
At this critical period the govern-
ment so needed his services that he
remained on duty. After the death
of the great Li Hung-Chang, in 1901,
he was appointed Viceroy of the
important post in Chili. In Decem-
ber of the same year he was honored
with the title of "Junior Guardian"
of the heir apparent, and in January,
82 OLDCHINA
1902, was decorated with the Yellow
Jacket. This imperial jacket stands
for marked honors, and this honored
man wore this badge as the court
returned to Peking. At the date
of the court's returning, there were
still eight armies of eight different
nations stationed in and about
China's capital. But peace and
friendship had been declared be-
tween the nations and China, and
the court, in perfect safety, marched
in its imperial array through the
streets and on into the Forbidden
City. Wonderful doings ! A wonder-
ful age permitting them!
China was in distress. Active
and efficient workers must come
to her rescue. Where were they?
Among the foremost was Yuan-Shih-
K'ai. On January 20, 1902, this
official was placed in charge of the
Northern Railway and during the
same month was made a consulting
member of the newly established
commission of "Administrative Re-
form." The following year he was
appointed a member of the com-
mission for the "Reorganization of
yuan-shih-k'ai 83
the Army." He took a most active
part in preparing the new army
regulations and was the first to
organize an army on the new method.
He has also been foremost in pro-
moting the new educational system.
As Viceroy of Chili he was the
Superintendent of Trade for all
northern China.
Although this great practical man
of affairs did not win his official rank
through the halls of learning, he
appears to great advantage when
contrasted with scholarly officials
who strive to rise on the frail honors
of scholarship alone. True honors,
with living strength, come from
experience, polished bright and kept
so through the constant, active power
within a man. Scholarship should
open the door wide for rich experi-
ences to enter. Then together they
should build a ladder, stanch and
strong, round by round, for coming
generations to safely climb. Socially,
Yuan-Shih-K'ai is gentlemanly and
entertaining with foreigners and por-
trays that innate politeness common
to the Chinese people.
84 OLDCHINA
In 191 2 China was proclaimed a
republic. While the government was
only provisional, one of China's
strong men, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, acted
as President. But Yuan-Shih-K'ai
was made the country's first Presi-
dent. With his able associates of
strong, conscientious thinkers and
doers President Yuan-Shih-K'ai will
breast the storms of a new republic
and show to the world the inner,
better qualities of China and the
Chinese character.
PART II
YOUNG AMERICA
PART II
It is Love that paints the life scenes
in the colorings of a harmonious,
living glow, — and it is the Christ-
hand that reveals this glow. All na-
tions, all creeds, all peoples, know the
word "Love" and bow to it. Each
individual in the fulness oj his own
heart bows to it, — bows to Love.
LOVE'S ALTAR
1 WAS told of a little girl who was
always quietly doing those things
which made her lovable, hence she
had many warm friends who loved
her. She wore a bright face, was
polite, kind, thoughtful, and patient.
She kept tuning her young heart
more and more to the key-note of
love and good-will. As she grew
older, kindnesses would suggest
themselves, persuading her that such
and such an act would lift some
one's burden or brighten a darkened
pathway. She never tried to do
big things for people, as that might
make the one whom she would favor
feel under obligations, thus bury-
ing the joy she would give in the
humiliation of debt. It is not the
intrinsic value of a gift or an act
that blesses most; it is the quality
of thought back of it.
This girl lived in Vermont where
flowers were rare in the winter.
88 YOUNG AMERICA
In early autumn she would buy
many flower bulbs and many little
flower pots. She carefully planted
the bulbs, and after giving them a
long rest in the dark, placed them
in the sunshine. She cared for these
little growing things, watering and
turning them each day that they
might grow and stand upright. A
full stalk of beautiful blossoms
proudly stood from among the long
green leaves. She wrapped the pots
with colored paper and tied them
with ribbon. With happy thoughts
she took these little treasures to the
aged, sick, sorrowing, and unfor-
tunate ones and also to those more
favorably situated. Love was in
her heart, from her first conception
of this gift to its climax.
This is only one of the many
loving manifestations showing the
quality of her heart. She grew into
womanhood, and her whole life was
filled with love and good-will, and
through her they were reflected to
other lives in choice blessings.
I almost worshiped this charming,
rich woman. She was my mother.
love's altar 89
She earnestly and prayerfully urged
upon her children the great necessity
for keeping the holy lamps of love,
and gratitude for the good they could
do, ever burning on the altar of
their hearts, that each year they
might increase in splendor.
When my revered mother was a
child in the twenties of eighteen
hundred, the education for children,
and especially for girls, was far from
that of today. In connection with
their book-learning, and above it,
needlework held the highest place
of honor. The younger girls, first
upon linen cloth, learned to make
"samplers'' of the alphabet and
figures. My mother's sampler at
fifty-three years was in good pres-
ervation. As her four daughters
could not each own this treasure,
our mother worked upon cardboard
a facsimile of the sampler with a
little heart poem and other addi-
tions. This treasured work and ex-
pressed love of our dear mother
hangs in my room, a constant re-
minder of her tender words and
untiring activities of love. Not only
90 YOUNG AMERICA
did she keep the lamp burning upon
love's altar for her own children,
but for others. The young people
would gather joyfully in our home,
and Mother was one with us always.
The warmth flowing from her full
heart never returned to her void,
but with an overflowing response.
// man had the microscopic eye of the
bird and the acute ear oj the deer, he
might be able to catch more oj the
dainty colorings and the sweet-
est melodies of Nature; but
after all, the richest capac-
ity to see and hear is in
the heart and mind,
and the capacity of
perception covers
it all
There are those who live more through
this perception than the micro-
scopic eye or the acute ear
could give.
THE HOME
Ei
iNLIGHTENMENT of women
lifts the standard of the home.
Education for home making is
being agitated in a tender, sober,
logical enthusiasm. The vitality of
the home originates in the heart's
affections and its propulsion is aug-
mented by the light-giving, warm
flames burning upon the heart's
altar. The home should be the
center of the affections, but not the
boundary. The purer and more
unselfish the love is which blazes
upon this home altar, the better is
the glow reflected upon all within
its radius, and this radius, great or
small, has a lasting influence. It
affects the atmosphere of the com-
munity, and not only this, but its
light is reflected beyond to the
State, from the State to the na-
tion, and from the nation to the
whole world. Every home is a unit,
and its influence, whether it stands
92 YOUNG AMERICA
for light or darkness, helps to modify
the whole.
Bow at the shrine of Love. It tills
and nourishes the soil oj good-will
toward our fellow-man.
THE KINDERGARTEN
j\S I entered the home of my
niece I saw my little five-year-old
grandniece sitting upon a stool
with a little work basket by her side.
She had a stocking in her hand, and
I asked, "What is my Lillian doing?' '
She replied, " I am darning my stock-
ings." "Darning your stockings!
Who taught you?" She answered,
"I learned at kindergarten." I took
her work, and sure enough, she had
woven a mat with darning cotton
in the hole of her stocking. She
was making practical use of her
kindergarten mat weaving.
Again, as I walked along the
street I noticed in a vacant lot a
little girl alone, diligently seeking
something. I paused and asked,
"Has my little one lost anything?
Can I help you?" She happily
replied, "Oh, no, thank you. I am
looking for parallel vein leaves to
take to kindergarten." In aston-
94 YOUNG AMERICA
ishment I asked to see her leaves.
Sure enough, there they were. Then
I said, "Why do you call them
parallel veins?" She showed me
how they ran side by side. I asked
if there were any other kind of
leaves. With an earnest "Oh, yes,"
away she went and brought me a
leaf, saying, "This is a net vein leaf.
Don't you see, these veins make a
net?" That little child had no
playmate with her, but there was
a dignified joy in her heart and
mind that she portrayed through her
kindergarten studies. The young
children are being guided more and
more into the paths of knowledge
and usefulness. Stern duty is turned
into a joyous seeking for something
better and greater.
A TALK WITH FATHER
W:
E cannot afford to let unjust
rebukes or criticism disturb us or
rob us of that quality of thought
that holds us at our best. All
along the later years of my life
my dear father's words of years
ago have come to me with increased
force. When a child, if I would
come home with my troubles — oh,
so big then — my father would call
me to him, take me on his knee,
wipe away the tears, and quietly
say: "Let us talk it all over. Re-
member, my dear child, if you are
in the wrong, you will have to suffer
for it, and you should. If in the
right, you should not suffer." He
would listen to my song of wo;
then followed the finding out whether
I was in the right or wrong. If I
was wrong, in his persuasive way
he would make me see it and cause
me to feel not only willing but
desirous to acknowledge that I was
g6 YOUNG AMERICA
in the wrong. If he thought me to
be in the right, he would say: "Do
you think that your playmate wished
to hurt your feelings?" If I would
say, "Yes, I do," then his quiet
question would come back to me,
"Are you going to let him accom-
plish his designs?" A positive "No"
would invariably be the answer to
that question. But if, when he would
ask, "Did your playmate intend to
hurt your feelings?" I would reply,
"No, I do not think he did intend
to, but he did anyway," in the same
forceful manner my father would
say: "Is my little daughter going
to be so unjust as to be hurt when
it was not intended?"
Do you see the lesson? Under
no circumstances are we to be hurt
except when in the wrong and then
only long enough to repent and repair
the wrong.
OUR SCHOOL-TEACHERS
M
Y little daughter said: "Mother,
may I take some of these beautiful
roses to my teacher, Miss Happy-
line?" We picked some of the
choice ones, the child making the
selection. Then she said: "I must
find a bright, pretty bud, not in
full blossom, with stem and green
leaves, for that is the kind she pins
on her waist and wears. I love
to look at her sweet smile and her
pretty dress, and the rose bud makes
me so happy that I can study
better."
Bless the dear instructor who
inspired my little daughter with such
beautiful, unselfish thoughts and
love for her teacher! If the teach-
ers only knew what an impression
they make upon the young heart
— a lasting influence through their
personal appearance — they would
always wear smiles, give gentle tones
to their language, arrange their hair
98 YOUNG AMERICA
becomingly, and wear neat and at-
tractive clothing. Children love to
be proud of their instructors and
carry in their hearts a love picture.
I heard a little boy say: "My
teacher hasn't as pretty a face as
yours, but she looks all right, and
she is always kind to us boys and
says in a happy way, 'How do you
do, Jack?' 'Good morning, Tom.'
We just like to do to please her."
Another said: "You know Miss
Jones, — she has eyes in the back
of her head, — she says she has.
We often try to test those eyes in
the back of her head. They don't
see everything, and when her real
eyes catch us in our testing they
flash at us and we are afraid of their
lightning." Fear's power never finds
willing obedience. Love's power
finds loving, cheerful obedience with-
out one struggle.
BEAUTY AND CULTURE
A
GENTLEMAN once said to me,
in sad earnestness, "I have made a
great mistake in my life and re-
flected its influence upon other
lives. There were two sisters. One
was plain but had a brilliant mind,
with culture, and heart full of ten-
derness and unselfishness. I loved
her. Her sister was sparkling with
beauty of form and feature, and
I lovingly watched the dear little
humming-bird as she happily sipped
honey from the flowers placed
about her. I spent much time
with these sisters. One had beauty
for the heart and mind to feast
upon, the other beauty for the
heart and eye. I talked the situa-
tion over with the elder sister, and
she said: 'There is no question in
my mind which your heart chooses.
My sister is your choice. Take her
and continue her life in happiness.
I could under no circumstances
100 YOUNG AMERICA
accept you. I shall choose a life-
work, and wedded to it, I shall be
loyal to my sacred vow.' She was
always a devoted sister through our
lives. But in loyalty to her vows
she rose higher and still higher on
the roll of honor and went deeper
and still deeper into the heart of
humanity.
"While I strove to be loyal to my
vow taken at the altar, I tired of
that beauty which my heart and
eyes feasted upon, and I longed for
more in my dear wife. She detected
my disappointment and her beauty
began to fade. One day she threw
her arms about my neck and said:
'Why did you flatter my beauty
and encourage my self-pride? If
you will help me I will be a better
woman, a better companion.' The
struggle was a long and hard one,
but sincere and earnest. The vic-
tory was partially won. Her per-
sonal beauty came back and through
it shone beauty of heart and mind,
blessing herself, her children, hus-
band, friends, and all who came
under her influence."
BEAUTY — CULTURE 101
Cultured people, even though plain,
are often like a rich garment without
trimming or ornaments. There is
a quality in them that is self-sustain-
ing, and their stability is a helpful
joy. Beauty as trimming added to
this quality makes them a greater
joy.
Again: I once knew two sisters
who were very unlike. One day
I said to the plain sister: "I notice
that you are exceedingly studious.
You study deeply into whatever
duty or task is yours. You enter
sparingly into the joyous pleasures
of the day. Your older sister is a
leader of the social world about her.
Why do you not join her?"
Her reply was earnest and thought-
ful. "My sister is beautiful in fea-
ture. She sparkles with humor. I
am even ugly in my plain looks and
appearance. If I am to win friends
and hold a place in the social world
or a commendable place anywhere,
it must come from my storehouse of
usefulness and congenial acquaint-
ance. It takes steadfast, earnest
application to gain these."
102 YOUNG AMERICA
She did gain them. The jewels
in the storehouse of her heart and
mind sparkled through the windows
of expression in eyes, features, and
manners. She was not only a joy,
but a living example of worth and
culture, imparting an influence that
encouraged and helped others to
better desires and better deeds. Her
greatest pleasure was the good that
she could do. She smoothed path-
ways in the journey of life, helped
to carry heavy burdens, and in the
sunshine of a loving heart cheered
the weary toilers.
All that is enduring, all that we
can leave behind us that has life
in it, is the good that we do. This
good is of God, and through the
Christ-spirit we manifest it. Beauty
in feature and sparkling humor
should be the trimming and not the
garment of character.
Life's activity, Truth's stability, and
Love's protection are the vitality,
the freedom, and the safe-
guard of existence.
THE SACRIFICE
A GENTLEMAN who had gained
many of this world's honors, but
with a big heart full of kindness,
ever ready to lend a helping hand,
served, without pay, a poor woman
in trouble. Two years later this
woman appeared at the door of the
gentleman's home and asked to see
him. He stepped to the door and
invited her to enter. She refused,
but said, with a happy countenance:
"You did me a great favor some
time ago and I am very grateful
for it. I have no money, but I
have a few chickens. One was my
pet, and I have brought it to you,"
and taking it from under her shawl
she stroked it tenderly and said,
"It is a beauty and my best, and I
want you to have it."
The gentleman looked at her, then
looked at the chicken, and kindly
said, "I cannot take your pet
chicken; you have paid the debt, if
104 YOUNG AMERICA
debt you call it, by bringing that
gift to me. Your chicken is a
beauty; see how it looks to you for
protection when I touch it. Take
your dear pet home with you, I
cannot accept it. You have brought
your treasure to the sacrificial altar
and you do not have to sacrifice it."
With tears in her eyes she turned
away, tenderly embracing her pet.
This man unselfishly helped the
needy without one thought of re-
ward; but an enduring phase of
good must have vitalized this act.
The quality of mind and heart is
portrayed in expressed ideas and
affections. A response to this ex-
pression may not be seen today nor
tomorrow, and perhaps never, but
it is faithfully continuing on its
good mission.
The appearing of Good-will in our
hearts is the appearing of our
Saviour — the Christ — it
is the activity oj Love.
THE LESSON
0
NE day, long ago, when the
country was full of tramps (people
going from door to door and street
to street begging), an able-bodied
man came to my home and asked
for food.
I promptly prepared him a good
lunch and gave it to him. He gave
nothing in return.
Later in the day a woman with
needles, pins, thread, etc., to sell
came to the side door. I refused
to even look at her goods and
bought none. As she walked away
with her little bundle, I looked
after her and then sat down and
meditated: An able-bodied man
came and asked for food. I gave
it to him. A middle-aged, slen-
der woman came to my door with
something to give me in return
for money or help, and I turned
her away. My heart, ashamed of
106 YOUNG AMERICA
itself, sank within me, and I would
have called the woman back, but
she was gone. A lesson for years
to come: Help those who would
help themselves.
EVERY GOOD DEED IS
REFLECTED IN GOOD
M
R. A., a man of position and
influence, was always helping to lift
burdens; to encourage the heart-
sick and weary; to help them stand
and to start them refreshed on their
journey.
Years after a certain favor given,
the gentleman's wife was exceedingly
anxious to have a house gown made
to send to her mother. It was just
before Christmas and every seam-
stress was busy and every shop full
of work. The wife went in vain
from place to place, and at last,
almost in despair, went to a distant
dressmaker. After urgently stating
her business, the dressmaker replied
in just as earnest a manner that it
was impossible to do anything for
her. The lady urged if she would
only cut the garment she would
not ask more. "Impossible," was the
reply.
108 YOUNG AMERICA
As the lady took her departure,
the dressmaker said, "Come back,
I cannot let you go, come back."
She cut the gown and took great
pains in basting and explaining all
about it. In joyous delight the
lady asked her charge. The dress-
maker said: "Not one cent. Your
husband, without pay, helped my
husband to many dollars. This is
just a little 'thank you' for the
kindness of years ago. I could not
take your money. Gratitude found
the way for me to do a little favor
for you, and I will not disappoint
any one else by doing it. I will
work a little later tonight."
This same gentleman years ago
closed up a business transaction,
but with some petty annoyances.
There were many changes of cir-
cumstances during the following
years. As thousands of miles sepa-
rated the persons, they never met
after their business relations closed.
In 1912, a letter with a draft en-
closed was received by this gentle-
man's wife, with these words : "Some
years ago, in settlement with your
EVERY GOOD DEED 109
husband, a mistake was made in
my favor. At this late hour I
wish to correct it. I sought to find
him, then his family. Please accept
this draft; it is yours."
Justice manacles injustice sooner or
later. Justice is the positive and
cancels injustice, which is nega-
tive. Injustice represents no
real thing, hence has no place
and must go out from
consciousness, generally-
through suffering. It
finally leads to its
own destruction.
OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES
i\ DEAR baby boy came to a
fond father and mother, and this
little fellow was given everything to
make him happy that parents, rel-
atives, and friends could give. The
devoted mother laid down this life's
labors and left her little three-year-
old boy and her happy home to the
care of others. When this little
son was five years old, the father
brought him another loving mother.
Years passed on and three sisters
and a brother came into the home.
The father's health failed, business
had to be given up, fortunes were
spent, and another mound rose by
the side of the mother's.
The question of support faced
this family, and this young lad was
the breadwinner. He was a bright,
capable, trustworthy boy of fourteen
years. His uncle procured for him
a Government Appointment with a
surveying party, and he filled it so
OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES III
ably that a position in Washington,
D.C., was given him. Only neces-
sities for himself claimed part of
his wages. The greater part was
lovingly and gratefully sent to his
mother for the support of the family.
This boy was ambitious for an
education. He was naturally a
mathematician and he became an
expert in this capacity. He filled
every position that came to him so
manfully that his work was his
strongest recommendation.
His mother became a helpless
invalid. Kind relatives and friends
lent a helping hand, but the mother
looked to this son for her greatest
support and strength. Though a
mere child in years, he was a man
in experience. A third mound rose
in the cemetery lot and this boy was
left with four children; his father
and mother gone; his father's for-
tune gone; the estate left him by his
own mother gone. What could he
do? Relatives and friends cared for
the three sisters, and this boy kept
the brother; and with tenderness,
watchfulness, and forbearance he
112 YOUNG AMERICA
cared for this brother until, at
twenty-four, he too rested from
earth's trials and sorrows.
It was not hard for this boy, now
grown into manhood, to find posi-
tions of good recompense for labor
well done. He had developed into
a good business man and his accu-
racy, his honest uprightness, his affa-
bility, and good judgment caused
the bankers' world to call him. This
man, with a wife, a home of their
own, many friends and proud rela-
tives, is at the head of a large,
thrifty bank. Stability, activity,
uprightness, love to God and man,
build a character stanch and strong
that blesses humanity.
" There is power in patience. It saves
us from despair. When victory is
postponed, it makes it impossible
jor disappointment to crush us.
It makes us endure and per-
severe, and endurance and
perseverance lead to
triumph."
POLISH YOUR SHOES
I
T is necessary to be polite, genteel,
gracious, and attractive in general
manners and dealings with men.
To delve into the science world and
learn the intricacies of its teachings
is imperative; but the beauty and
harmony there discovered should
polish and beautify the one who
discovers and learns them. The
business man, the man of letters
and culture, as well as the man
of the social world, require it. A
rounded character is in demand, a
character with every part at its
active best. To illustrate:
A professor in a college took great
pride and deep interest in his
students during their college days,
and afterwards a friend of this
professor, a man of wealth and far-
reaching enterprises, wished a scien-
tific, practical, judicious, energetic
man for a foreign mission and asked
Professor if he knew of such
114 YOUNG AMERICA
an one. Without hesitation, in high-
est terms, he recommended one of
his former students who had proved
himself to be most able in this very
work. The young man was sent
to the friend. Months passed and
he heard nothing of the result of
the visit. On inquiry the friend
said: "I interviewed the man you
sent me and was greatly pleased.
I invited him to dine with me. His
table manners were crude. I could
not send him on the mission, for
the grace of his character had been
forgotten in his education."
The day is fast passing away in
which uncouthness of manners is
sanctioned or forgiven in the busi-
ness world, the scientific, political,
or professional. Each man must be
a gentleman in every act. This
day is dawning, and ere it sheds
its midday splendor, it will reflect
its light upon the nations, upon a
world of harmony in thought and
action!
THE LESSON OF THE
CHURCH ORGAN
I
WAS invited with others to visit
a new church and hear and see the
large organ. The builder of this
fine instrument was to explain its
intricate mechanism. The visiting
party was small in number and
gathered about the console.
There were keyboards above key-
boards; there were multiplied num-
bers of stops on either side. They
could be used individually or col-
lectively or in sections. Then there
was a mechanism below for the feet
to play upon. While the organ was
there, ready to do its part, it seemed
to take the whole of man to per-
form his part. Even electricity was
brought in to help man in making
this instrument do its best.
We listened to the music in its
modulated tones, from the softest
notes to the loud thunderings, then
its master said, "Now we will hear
Il6 YOUNG AMERICA
the echo," and on these same keys
this master played an organ in
the farthermost part of that large
church. It was another organ, and
little electric wires told it what
to do, and it sweetly and clearly
responded to their bidding. It was
wonderful and my thought was
awakened. I could see much, but
I could hear more than I could see.
Oh, that music!
We were asked if we would like
to see the organ and its pipes. Of
course we would. We first came to
the immense foundation, with its
heavy construction, then we com-
menced to climb. We stopped at
each landing to hear more of this
wonderful instrument, then on we
went up narrower and steeper stairs
until we were among the living,
speaking pipes themselves. Wonder-
ful! Wonderful! How could man
conceive and execute such a thing!
The master at the keys below made
those little pipes sound their sweet-
est and the larger ones sound in
heavier tones; then again all would
play together, increasing in volume
THE CHURCH ORGAN 117
until the whole structure seemed
to reel under its mighty sound. -
The builder would take up this
pipe and that pipe and explain what
relation it held to the whole and how
necessary it was. There were hun-
dreds and thousands of these pipes,
each holding its proper place and
in its true tone acting its necessary
part in making up the whole.
We descended and occupied seats
in the body of the church and from
there listened to the wonderful music
played upon that gigantic instru-
ment by its master. The words
master, music, and organ had a
keener meaning to me than ever
before.
Silence was with the guests and
they listened to catch the voices of
those wee little pipes as they sounded
with the larger and greater ones.
It was touchingly pathetic to hear
them all working together, doing
their best.
I did not tarry but came right
home and up to my room to ponder
the lessons of the organ. If man
can conceive and work out such
Il8 YOUNG AMERICA
harmony in the many tones of music,
he can conceive and work out har-
mony in the many tones of living.
If each of us would be sure of our
own note and sound it and not
trespass on one another's notes, the
multitude would sing together, work
together in harmony and rejoicing.
OUR POINT OF VIEW
A:
.STRONOMY was a joy to me in
my school days, and in later years
I took up this delightful study anew.
I became familiar with the northern
and mid-heaven constellations and
learned in theory of the southern
constellations. In 1890 I traveled
south of the equator, and my book
knowledge was put to a test. What
I had learned in theory was now
brought into practise. Everything
was new to me, people, climate,
vegetation; and not only these, but
above me were new heavens. The
mid-heaven constellations were all
there, but upside down. They were
all standing on their heads. The
great and little Dippers and their
associates were gone, and the South-
ern Cross and its associates appeared.
The sun rose in the east and circled
to the north, shining in our north
windows on its way westward. The
seasons were also changed about.
120 YOUNG AMERICA
December, January, and February-
were the summer months, March,
April, and May the autumn, June,
July, and August the winter, Sep-
tember, October, and November the
spring.
While at night the heavens were
brilliant, they were devoid of the
northern glow. There were fewer
stars of the first and second magni-
tude. I realized more fully than
ever before how much depends upon
our outlook. The heavens had not
changed, but my position with regard
to them had changed, and I had
much more to learn about them.
Those who steadfastly stand in
one place and become familiar with
that view often think they see all
there is to see. Such an one is
hedged about by opaque ignorance
or is in a chrysalis state. It is
wiser to view from all sides; then
this chrysalis state of thought will
vitalize into a broadness not known
before.
A
LOVING WORDS
LITTLE five-year-old girl was
permitted for the first time to dine
with company. When the mother
put the little one to bed, the darling
said, "Mother, Father made me very
happy when he bid me good night.
He kissed me and said, 'Bill, I was
proud of you tonight, you were a
good girl.' ' The father was a man
of few words, but these few were
enough to make the child happy.
The joys we put into a child's life
are bright stars in the heavens above
them, broadening the radius of their
vision, and in this vision they see
how to reflect joys.
THE WEDDING
A
GENTLEMAN, a lady, and
young lady daughter have been
visiting us. The young lady is a
step-daughter to the gentleman.
When she was six years of age her
mother brought to her a new father.
I remarked to the mother that I
never saw greater devotion between
father and daughter than between
these two. Then she related the
wedding ceremony that united the
lives of this man and the little one.
When the wedding preparations
were being made, the little girl par-
took of the spirit of the occasion.
As the event drew near, the darling
said to her mother: "Where am /
to be? What am / going to do?"
The mother replied, "We will see,
my daughter."
The little one's clothes were pre-
pared and were of the daintiest of
white fabrics. As the day ap-
proached, the child asked again:
THE WEDDING 123
"What am / to do? What part
am / going to take?"
The mother explained the situa-
tion to the minister. The good man
understood and said, "She shall have
a part." When the mother walked
to the altar upon the groom's arm,
the little daughter went hand in
hand with him upon the other side.
After the vows of husband and wife
were solemnized, the minister turned
to the child and said: "Grace, do
you take this man as your lawful
father? Will you love him and be
dutiful to him so long as you both
live?" The sweet voice in childish
trust said, "I do." Then he turned
to the groom: "Will you take this
child as your lawful daughter, love
and care for her so long as you both
live?" The vows were taken, the
three were wedded, and from that
day they have been devoted to one
another.
SHADOW AND REFLECTION
1VJ-Y five-year-old granddaughter
had heard much about shadow and
reflection in her Sunday-school. One
day, after returning from Sunday-
school, she came to me and said,
"Shadow isn't anything, is it? It
can't hurt us." Then she ran away
and brought me a picture and her
little voice rang with laughter. It
represented a man fleeing from his
shadow in terror. His arms, in
the shadow, were outstretched, his
legs flying almost in air, and the
whole picture was one of horror
personified.
Then her inquiring face looked up
to me, and she asked, "What makes
him afraid?" We talked it all over
and learned that shadow was a
manifestation of things in blackness
without the glow of life, and we
called it a specter, an imaginary
evil. We always named everything
and called it by that name, so that
Reflection
SHADOW AND REFLECTION 125
we could place things where they
belonged, — the good in God's King-
dom and the bad in no kingdom,
because God's Kingdom is all the
kingdom there is. Everything else
claiming a kingdom goes to nothing
because it comes from no power,
for Good is all Power, — is God. It
is a joy to see how the child mind
will thrive and grow strong with
such refreshing food.
One evening traveling in a street
car, sitting in my lap, she asked,
"What is reflection, Grandmother?' '
I looked at the window, and there
I saw reflected in all the glow of life
and freshness that lovely, beautiful
child sitting with me. No time
was lost. I said: "Sarah, dear,
what do you see in that window?"
"I see Grandmother, I see Sarah,
I see lots of people." "Do you see
what they are doing and what they
are wearing and the colors of those
things, so that you know what they
are individually?" I asked. "You
can there see your image and like-
ness. It does what you do — re-
flects your action. It is in no way
126 YOUNG AMERICA
independent of you." We talked
with much interest about these peo-
ple and things that we saw, then
I said to her, "That is reflection,
the image and likeness of what is
here in the car." Later, after we
had gotten a positive idea of reflec-
tion, I told her of God's reflection —
image and likeness — which is Good,
Life, Truth, Love. It was a happy
time for us both. She often asked
questions about reflection, image,
and likeness. She fast learned how
to reflect Love, Truth, Life, Good, and
with a little reminder, "Ask Good
to help you to be good," many clouds
were scattered with the sunshine of
smiles.
Henry Ward Beecher said: "The
first hour oj the morning is the
rudder oj the day," Thus it is
with people, the first years oj
their lives generally steer
them through later years.
THE HOLY BIBLE
1 HE Bible is read in four hundred
and forty languages. In co-opera-
tion different nations are making it
possible for the Bible, in familiar
language, to be introduced into coun-
tries that have not heard of the
Christ nor the sacred books that
proclaim Him.
The "American Bible Society" is
now at work translating this book
into the languages of different tribes
of the Philippine Islands. The in-
creased interest of Scripture reading
in our own country is shown by the
greatly multiplied sales of the Bible
each year. Does not this reading
of the living truth raise the standard
of thought and affection? He who
listens to hear, watches to see, and
reads the trend of this restless age
can detect the Bible banner waving
above the din of discord, urging
humanity to come up higher. This
listening, this watching, this reading,
128 YOUNG AMERICA
is doing a mighty work, it is urging
a recognition of our Redeemer. In
this age more than in any record age
there is organized, stirring activity
manifested to help the children, the
young and older people, and to
bring out the best in them — a
striving to make their burdens light
with the joys of love which have
heretofore slumbered in stern duty.
The Bible lights the pathway, broad-
ens the vision, and quickens activity
in thought and affection. And this
is for all alike.
PATRIOTISM
JlWERY child of every land should
be taught the meaning of loyalty
to his country. In no land is the
national flag so universally used,
in the home, for decoration, and
placed in the hands of children, or
worn upon the person, as in the
United States of America. Each
nation's flag plays its part in its
nation's individual way.
It is the almost universal custom
of every nation, through devotion
and loyalty, for its subjects to rise
to their feet at the first sounded note
of their national air and to salute
their flag. There are no people who
should pay their nation's air and
flag greater respect than the Ameri-
can people. Would it not be well to
teach every boy and girl throughout
our domain to give outward expres-
sion to the loyalty they bear their
nation's emblem and song? Would
it not bring to their minds and hearts
130 YOUNG AMERICA
more keenly the great principles for
which our country so steadfastly
stands, and thus build for her a
bulwark of defense?
One of the most beautiful and
impressive scenes that ever crossed
my pathway was a State Sunday-
school convention of many different
religious denominations.
Trains arrived early from different
parts of the State and continued to
arrive. At ten o'clock the street
thronged with animated people to
greet the dear children from far
and near. The streets were deco-
rated with our country's flag and
her colors in different designs. Mot-
toes telling of love to God and man,
good-will, good cheer, and patriotism
arched the streets; and the stores
and public buildings proclaimed their
love welcome to the children visitors
in wonderful beauty.
The bands began to play their
spirited yet sweet music; the mar-
shals cleared the way and in the
distance we saw winged fairies com-
ing, coming, coming, waving their
wings and keeping time with the
PATRIOTISM 131
music. Above, and leading them,
seemed to be a large eagle. As
they drew nearer we saw that this
procession of winged fairies was
composed of hundreds and thousands
of Sunday-school children dressed
in white, wearing upon their heads
and around their necks, or carrying
in their hands, wreaths of beautiful
flowers. Each child was waving
above his or her head the nation's
flag, which in the distance seemed
to be the wings of fairies. The
large eagle leading them was a large
flag upon a high standard. They
kept coming and going. What a
sight ! For over one hour we watched
this moving panorama of superin-
tendents, teachers, and pupils. It
was a wonderful quaff of inspira-
tion, quickening thought and feeling.
Beauty in activity proclaimed love
in every part of that wonderful
procession. Our flag never waved
more proudly nor in greater joy than
in the hands of those dear children.
It seemed to say: "They love me!
God will protect and uphold me
through this love!" They marched
132 YOUNG AMERICA
on amid the cheers and plaudits
of the appreciative multitude and
entered a beautiful park prepared
to receive them. On a terraced
hillside they were seated. Love to
God and love for our country, join-
ing hands, made our country's colors
glow with great resplendency, quick-
ening to a blaze love's unity on love's
altar. Short speeches were given
by noted men and women. Reli-
gious hymns and patriotic songs
familiar to all were sung and the
exercises closed with
"Onward, Christian Soldier,
Marching as to war,
We are not divided,
All one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
One in Charity. "
And all standing, and amid the wav-
ing of a sea of flags, the large choir of
voices sounded and resounded:
"Our Country, 't is of thee,
Sweet land of Liberty,
Of thee we sing."
Thus ended the day's united
action. The many bringing their
PATRIOTISM 133
mite and placing it upon the altar
of love's sacrifice departed with
love's cup full to overflowing.
Another beautiful picture was a
United States flag composed of school
children at Iowa's State Fair. A
very large flag was woven and un-
furled, with its stripes and stars in
the living glow of life. A chorus
of strong voices sang "The Star-
spangled Banner." With enthusi-
asm the voices rose higher and still
higher, as if to reach high heaven.
These children seemed to realize
that they were really a part of the
country they were representing in
this emblem. These little acts plant
thought-seeds that grow and vitalize
a nation.
Every good thought expressed is echoing
and re-echoing in the vast forever.
NATIONS LOVE WEALTH
OOME time ago in China, in talk-
ing with an educated, far-thinking
American upon different topics, he
made this remark: "Situated as
you are, you can see the attitude of
many nations and their modes of
working, and in my travels I have
not been sleeping. I find as soon
as a nation becomes wealthy, the
other powers combine, not inten-
tionally perhaps, but for selfish gain,
to sap that nation, girdle it, kill it,
and appropriate its wealth. Our
country is increasing in wealth and
strength, and jealousies are com-
ing to the front. She must watch.
She is now at peace with all the
world, and if one, two, or three
countries should combine against
her, she could stand; but if all
in their greed should turn upon
her, her fate would be that of
other nations.' '
NATIONS LOVE WEALTH 135
Why must this be? Will not the
same love for the Christ-spirit, for
freedom, that guided the May-
flower to its safe harbor still pro-
tect her? Will not the same love
that unlocked the nursery door and
baffled the whip of the mother
country; that held cemented the
Union entire; that abolished slavery;
that opened freely its heart and
purse to suffering people at home
and abroad; that rescued Cuba and
gave her back to herself; that
bought the Philippine Islands al-
ready as good as conquered; that
stood as one of the strongest pro-
tectors of China in her direful need;
— will not all this stand as a strong
breastwork for her protection? In
China our country would accept
nothing as the spoils of war; gave
back the silver captured at Tientsin ;
and protected and turned back to
China her millions of taels and
valuable jewels which were con-
cealed in the Forbidden City; and
later canceled the indemnity fund.
Yes, will not such a spirit, conceived
and adhered to, allay temptation
136 YOUNG AMERICA
and greed and protect her from
the invasions of other nations?
Will not this spirit enable her to
do still more magnanimous acts?
We are a child nation and are
thus called.
Not until this war with Spain
and our relief army went to China,
did the nations know us, nor did
we know ourselves. Respect or dis-
grace comes with the knowing, and
respect has been our country's por-
tion. Mighty work was done at
the helm and elsewhere. Our Presi-
dents, McKinley and Roosevelt, our
incomparable Secretary Hay, our
stalwart army, with other efficient
helpers, were strong to will and to
do. May the United States con-
tinue to be a child in the temple
with the fathers! May she continue
to nourish the principles of right
and justice that she may be sus-
tained and protected in the future.
The intensity of youth is ours,
and as long as our activity is for
justice, success will crown our
efforts. The Bible points out posi-
tive right and negative wrong.
NATIONS LOVE WEALTH 137
May the right make us strong to
fight mightily!
The sharp consequences of evil think-
ing and doing wound the life of
the individual or the nation
and make it inharmoni-
ous and scar-worn.
SALUTING THE FLAG
0
UR country, like all countries,
has her national holidays. Among
them are two very prominent ones,
Washington's birthday and Lincoln's
birthday. These are patriotic days
observed in memory of the "Father
of our Country," George Washing-
ton, and the "Savior of our Coun-
try," Abraham Lincoln. Children
are taught at school a growing
meaning to these words.
In the morning of one of these
birthdays I heard a man whistling
in clear tones "The Star-spangled
Banner." I listened and as I stepped
out upon my porch I observed in
the yard of a cottage near by, father,
mother, and two little daughters,
Ruth and Thelma, standing before
our nation's unfurled flag. With
intense interest I continued to listen.
When the whistling ceased, the lit-
tle seven-year-old daughter, Ruth,
stepped forward, saluted the flag,
SALUTING THE FLAG 139
and uttered words which I could
not hear. I asked, "Will the little
darlings come to me and salute my
flag?" They came, hand in hand,
and standing together upon the
porch, Ruth saluted the flag and
said:
" I pledge allegiance to our flag and the
Republic for which it stands, one Nation,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Then, in childish but sweet tones,
still looking at the flag, they sang
"The Three Little Sisters":
" I know three little sisters,
I think you know them, too,
For one is red and one is white,
And the other one is blue.
" Hurrah for the three little sisters,
Hurrah for the red, white, and blue,
Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah,
Hurrah for the red, white, and blue,
" I know three little lessons,
These little sisters tell,
The first is love, then purity,
Then truth we love so well.
" Hurrah for the three little sisters,
Hurrah for the red, white, and blue,
Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah,
Hurrah for the red, white, and blue."
140 YOUNG AMERICA
This beautiful tribute to our flag
is taught the little ones in our
public schools.
Words have not the power to
emphasize enough the height, depth,
and breadth of this lesson. But do
we not perceive that now, in this
age, the everlasting song of love
sounds sweeter, clearer, and louder
than ever before, through our flag
and its children lovers? The multi-
tudes catch the strains. This ever-
sounding melody of love is taught
•and heard more and more in the
home, in the school, in college and
university, in sermon and lecture,
in the community, yes, over our
whole country and other countries.
It is the inspiring melody of the
great Christ-heart, played by the
positive hand of love. In the hearts
of children, love's melodies sound
with new, living vigor, strewing
the flowers of joy along their path-
way.
Truth guards Love's gateway, passing
in the proper guests.
THE STAR EAGLE'S PROMISE
1864
DURING our Civil War in the
sixties of eighteen hundred, there
were awful battles of brother against
brother, on the soil of their home
country. Many sacrifices were made
and much blood was shed. Heart
sorrows entered every fireside. An
universal prayer, earnest and devout,
flowed from the heart's fountain for
a settlement of differences, — for
peace. A night dream brought to
my girl-thought a promise of an
answer to this prayer. Seemingly,
I was standing in the blackness of a
dark night, with eyes turned up-
ward. Not a star was to be seen.
I clasped my hands as in prayer,
still looking upward. I saw rising
from the south the head of an eagle
with something in its beak that
seemed like clusters of stars. This
vision kept rising higher and higher,
revealing more and more of an eagle,
142 YOUNG AMERICA
with wings extended, reaching the
horizon at east and west. Its tail
was spread and it kept rising until
that beautiful, star-lit bird covered
the whole heavens. A peace offer-
ing was in its beak, and the whole
bird sparkled with the twinkling
diamonds in the heavens above us.
In wild, silent joy I stood motion-
less, with clasped hands, and gazed
upon that wonderful, wonderful
promise of peace in union, — the
joining of hands in heart pledges
under the outstretched wings of
our American eagle.
THE SALVATION ARMY
E
VERY person has a note in his
or her nature which, if touched, helps
to swell the great chorus of love's
harmony. It does not matter who
they are nor what circumstances
seem to rule them. Love melts
the stubborn iron, the almost irre-
sistible steel, or the frozen iceberg
that imprisons the human heart.
This love manifested touches the
note common to all, and the Christ-
spirit catches the melody and carries
it heavenward. The efforts to help
others differ in quality. The freer
these efforts are from selfish thoughts
— thoughts that desire popularity
or recompense — the more effectual
the effort.
Many years ago, through igno-
rance of their efforts, I failed to
recognize the good work done by
the Salvation Army. The first sea-
son that I spent in the beautiful
capital of our nation I visited and
144 YOUNG AMERICA
revisited the different departments
of government and really studied
in them. It seemed that everything
we met had in it a lesson for us to
learn. The twenty-four hours were
not hours enough. What a wonder-
ful, beautiful city is Washington,
with its higher grades of activity
reaching a higher perfection! This
activity awakens a desire to know
something as a whole of this throng-
ing humanity. It is not always the
most attractive, promising, or grand
presentation that has in it the largest
value. To illustrate: One cloudless
day we halted in the street for a
passing procession. It was a pro-
cession of Salvation Army soldiers.
The fifes and drums were sounding
and the soldiers were singing in
chorus. I thoughtfully said to my
coachman, "Follow this procession. "
The soldiers entered a hall, and
we entered it also. The people
were orderly, — respectfully obedient.
The course of exercises was their
very own. I attentively listened and
became more and more interested
as I caught the spirit of the experi-
SALVATION ARMY 14$
ences given by those soldiers. The
testimony of one will illustrate the
character of all. A man arose and
in a clear voice said: "The Salva-
tion Army is my home. It is the
Good Samaritan. It found me for-
saken; it washed my wounds; took
me to its home and cared for me.
I had been for many years in a
penitentiary, — I was a convict. My
years of isolation had come to an
end and I went into the outer world,
a stranger. When I applied for
work, the invariable question was
asked: 'Have you recommenda-
tions?' What recommendation has
a penitentiary convict? I was an
outcast. No one wanted me. I
could find no work. I sat down,
weary, hungry, and in despair, upon
the curbstone of the street. While
I sat there in horror and desolation,
pondering what there could be for
me in this world of sorrow, I heard
the fife and drum. I looked up
and saw men and women following
in procession and singing:
"Rouse ye ! Rouse ye !
Come, ye disconsolate."
146 YOUNG AMERICA
I arose. They looked to be of my
class and were calling to me. I
followed them, the last one in their
procession, to their home. They
took me by the hand and raised me
up, and I in turn help other sick
and sorrowing ones by the wayside."
Since that day I, too, in sympathy,
call the Salvation Army a Good
Samaritan. We each and all have
a place for doing good work if we
seek it unselfishly in the Great Good.
Our beautiful, large churches have
no place prepared for such as this
released convict. If he had sought
a place there, would he have found
a welcome? The Salvation Army
had a home prepared for him and
he heard the united voices calling
the brother to it. It does a work
for humanity that the Church cannot
do, and the Church a work that the
Salvation Army cannot do. God
bless them both!
And now, in 19 12, the founder and
leader of this vast army of Christ's
soldiers lays aside the shackles of
this mortal living to wear the mighty
crown — "Well Done" — in love's
SALVATION ARMY 147
freedom. History records few men
and women who have discovered,
founded, and broadened a world-
wide heart and mind enterprise with
life and love in and through it for all
time and eternity. Let us memorial-
ize the great General William Booth
by deeds of love, that the jeweled
crown God has placed upon this
Christ-follower may be seen more
clearly by suffering and sorrowing
humanity.
OUR FLAG HONORED
I
N 1889 and 1890, there arose seri-
ous controversies in Brazil, South
America. Emperor Don Pedro and
his family were captured at night
and banished from their country.
The empire fell and a republic was
declared. This was done without
bloodshed, but complications arose
that brought the army and navy in
bitter conflict over the question,
which should rule the new Republic.
The navy cleared the bay of all
but its own forces and at times
bombarded the Rio forts. Circum-
stances arose making it important
for the United States Minister to
visit a ship, on its way to New York,
which was lying far out in the bay.
This United States Minister started
out in his steam launch upon the
broad waters amid those warships,
with the United States flag his only
mortal protection. It never waved
more proudly. That flag proclaimed
OUR FLAG HONORED 149
to those powerful gunboat destroyers
the trustworthiness of the nation
for which it stood. As the Minister
neared and passed by the Admiral's
ship, flag etiquette expressed mutual
good wishes of the two friendly
nations.
Our dear beautiful flag! May no
act of our country stain your honor-
able waving!
OUR SCHOOL BANNER— 1858
1 HIS is a true narrative of the
year 1858. This was a year of great
political rivalry. The Democrats
and Republicans were so near abreast
that men, women, and children were
awake to the contest.
Two strong men, Stephen A. Doug-
las and Abraham Lincoln, were rival
candidates in Illinois for the United
States Senate. They in joint dis-
cussion advocated their principles.
Throngs of enthusiastic people
gathered to see these distinguished
men and listen to them. One of
their appointments was at Gales-
burg, Illinois, to speak upon the
campus of Knox College. For weeks
excitement ran high in anticipation
of this day. There was another
college in Galesburg embracing
coeducation, — Lombard College.
The Democrats of this institution
conceived the idea of making a ban-
ner for Douglas, and the Republi-
OUR SCHOOL BANNER 151
cans of making one for Lincoln.
This banner making was a profound
secret, but a little voice whispered,
"Something is going on." Wonder-
ful thought and wonderful work
were put into those banners. The
design and the working out of the
design were almost inspiration.
The great day arrived and each
political party of college youth
formed its procession of boys and
girls and marched to the station with
their beautiful satin, embroidered,
gold-fringed banner, vying in style,
richness, and beauty. Each squad
of Lombard students joined its en-
thusiastic party at the station and
marched to Knox College campus.
On the way Mr. Lincoln stopped at
the home of a friend. Before enter-
ing this home he turned and faced
the throng of people and with words
that only a great man could have
uttered, he expressed his apprecia-
tion of their presence, which he
accepted as a compliment to the
principles of the Republican party.
When he had finished, two of the
Lombard girls stepped forward with
152 YOUNG AMERICA
their beautiful banner and with a
few words placed it in Mr. Lincoln's
hands. Equal to the occasion, Mr.
Lincoln planted living joys in the
hearts of the many givers. Miss
Lida Carr and Miss Mary Pike
were the girls who presented this
banner. Mary Pike had the great
honor of speaking in behalf of the
givers.
The day was a glorious one.
Both parties respected and admired
each of the speakers. In those days
the question of slavery and its
increase of territory was spirited
and became bitterly angry. Compro-
mises were driving the country into
a dark night. At this time there
was a great fight over the admission
of Kansas as a state. She was
called "Bleeding Kansas." On the
Lombard Republican banner, in the
field of silver stars, was a gray star
representing "Bleeding Kansas. "
A few years later when Mr. Lin-
coln was leaving Springfield to fill
the presidential chair at Washing-
ton, a friend from Kansas, who was
visiting him at his home, saw that
OUR SCHOOL BANNER 153
banner and the lone gray star. Mr.
Lincoln, in keen perception, recog-
nized the situation and presented
the banner to his friend.
Many years later when these
students were in homes of their own
and their children were attending
Lombard College, letters began to
come into those homes asking for
the history of a banner presented to
Abraham Lincoln by Lombard stu-
dents in 1858. These old students of
years ago learned that their work —
the design, the execution of that
design, every stitch of the silver stars
and the one gray star, the colorings
of the flowers, the eagle, the motto,
the gold fringe, the streamers, the
standard, all complete — was hermeti-
cally sealed and in the State His-
torical Museum in Topeka, Kansas.
This historical banner takes its little
trips to hold a prominent place in
the exhibits at world's fairs. We
students little realized that we were
making history that would outlive
us. It is the rich quality of a thought
put into our doings that makes these
doings permanent.
154 YOUNG AMERICA
In years past and in the following
tragical years of our Civil War,
Abraham Lincoln uttered no uncer-
tain sounds in voicing his princi-
ples He was not fanatical in any
of his opinions, but without one
slight cloud of fear he bravely
advocated what he thought to be
right and just. No self-righteous-
ness, no self- justification, tarnished
the golden thread that he wove into
all his sayings and doings. His ut-
terances and acts were upon that
broad scale which includes all
humanity. Mr. Lincoln's love for
God — reflected in love for human-
ity — made him great Such poise
— equilibrium of thought and pur-
pose — as this great man possessed,
written history almost fails to record
an equal. Study this great character
and partake of its spirit and strive
to leave one page in enduring history
like unto it.
In 1908, Galesburg notably cele-
brated, on the campus of Knox
College, the fiftieth anniversary of
the wonderful, historical debate of
Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham
OUR SCHOOL BANNER 155
Lincoln. These two men, Lincoln
and Douglas, live in the hearts of
our nation. Although they held
steadfastly to their own views and
in the strength of honest conviction
aggressively proclaimed those con-
victions, they were stanch friends.
After the inauguration which made
Mr. Lincoln President of the United
States, Mr. Douglas, the defeated
candidate, was the first of all Mr.
Lincoln's friends to step forward
and clasp his hand in congratulation.
Come what will, I will keep my jaitb
with friend and joe. I shall do
nothing in malice. What I
deal with is too vast for
malicious dealing.
Abraham Lincoln.
OUR NATIONAL CEMETERIES
D
URING the five years' Civil
War in the sixties of 1800, many
lives were sacrificed, many homes
made desolate. The South was the
battle-field, and the ravages of war
fell most heavily upon the Southern
States.
Where some of the great battles
were fought, and where many Union
soldiers fell, our Government bought
large tracts of ground and dedicated
them as national cemeteries, and
her sacrificed soldiers were buried
there. These cemeteries are uni-
formly beautiful. They were laid
out as large parks, with semi-tropical
ornamental trees, shrubs, and plants.
There are lakes, running streams,
attractive driveways, and beautiful
green lawns in them. There are no
mounds, but long lines of white
marble markers bearing names or the
word "Unknown." There are many
large, fine monuments, pavilions,
NATIONAL CEMETERIES 157
pagodas, and other attractive build-
ings in these cemeteries. Enclosing
the grounds is a low granite wall
covered with English ivy.
The Southern States, in their
straightened circumstances, could
do little in memory of their fallen
dear ones, but they did what they
could.
•Our Government appointed May
30 as the annual Decoration Day
in memory of the Union soldiers
who fell in her defense. The South
appointed May 31 as the annual
Decoration Day for the Confederate
soldiers.
In 1880, May 30, I visited the
beautiful National Cemetery at
Nashville, Tennessee, and listened to
thrilling, laudatory words of Schuyler
Colfax, uttered in memory of the
heroic deeds, battles, and blood shed
upon these grounds. It was an
occasion for deep thought and
heart reflections. Events of twenty
years ago came thick and fast in
review. It was a solemn occasion.
I walked over that once blood-stained
field, now so wonderfully beautiful.
158 YOUNG AMERICA
Nothing, no, nothing bore the sign
of death except the white markers
and monuments. Life in its luxuri-
ant activity was singing a song of
joy and beauty.
I visited Lookout Mountain, saw
the running water at her feet, her
formidable sides reaching far up,
which the Union heroes scaled. In
peace and quiet I thoughtfully
wended my way up — up — where
time had obliterated all marks of
those horrible battle days. No, not
all were gone, for here and there
were barricades. Works of protec-
tion were the last to go.
The same year I visited Rich-
mond, Virginia. My (Confederate)
friends took me to see the beauti-
ful National Cemetery — a real joy
in its completeness. I asked these
friends, as we drove away, if they
would take me to the Confederate
Cemetery. They said, "Yes, we
will take you to the resting fields
of our dear ones, who bravely fought
and died for a lost cause." We
drove to another part of the city
and out into the country and entered
NATIONAL CEMETERIES 1 59
an unkept, unworked field. In
the distance we saw a very large
monument of irregular, piled gran-
ite blocks in the shape of a cone.
Creeping ivy was concealing the
crevices. There was one large, pol-
ished stone bearing its love story.
We walked around this large monu-
ment, admiring it and talking of
the love and sacrifice for which
it stood. We looked through the
grounds; the wooden markers were
falling; there were no individual
monuments. Nature-planted trees
and flowers were seen here and
there, — no lawns and no Iaid-out
driveways. My friend in tears said :
"We did all we could for our dead
brothers; we had to care for the
living.' ' As we walked slowly away,
my friend's hand in mine, the sacri-
fices of the Civil War days flooded
me and my heart sank within me.
Human sympathy gave its best to
soothe and to allay the anguish
in my dear friend's heart, for I
loved her.
More than twenty years have
passed since that day. Common
160 YOUNG AMERICA
interests, common loves for a com-
mon country, have joined the North
and the South in one strong bond of
union, and the National Decora-
tion Day is for all her children.
Under the protection of one and
the same flag our country's sons
are brothers.
MAR 31 1913
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